Seed planter with equalizer assembly

ABSTRACT

A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first and second arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second implements may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/428,922 entitled “Seed Planter with Equalizer Assembly” and filed onMar. 23, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,204,590, which claims the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. provisional patent application No.61/467,085, entitled “Seed Planter with Equalizer Assembly” and filedMar. 24, 2011, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/596,399,entitled “Seed Planter with Equalizer Assembly” and filed on Feb. 8,2012. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/428,922 is alsocontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/341,978,entitled “Seed Planter with Equalizer Assembly” and filed on Dec. 22,2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,356,563. U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/341,978 claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/118,217, entitled “Seed Planterwith Equalizer Assembly” and filed Nov. 26, 2008, and U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 61/016,386, entitled “Seed Planter with EqualizerAssembly” and filed on Dec. 21, 2007. The contents of each of theforegoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to agricultural seed planters and drills.More specifically, the technical field relates to seed planters anddrills that include apparatus adapted to properly place seeds in a seedfurrow and further include liquid distribution apparatus fordistributing liquids within the seed furrow.

BACKGROUND

Agricultural seed planting is typically accomplished by multi-rowplanters. Each planter may include multiple row units adapted foropening a seed furrow, depositing seeds within the furrow, and closingthe seed furrow around the seeds. In some cases, each row unit of theplanter may also open a fertilizer furrow adjacent to each seed furrow,deposit liquid fertilizer in each fertilizer furrow, and close eachfertilizer furrow.

Some planters are equipped or retrofitted to be equipped with fertilizerdepositing equipment (e.g., fertilizer furrow opener discs andfertilizer deposit tubes) located on a leading or front side of theplanter. Planters so configured can have problems in fields with moistor wet soil. Specifically, disturbing the soil with the fertilizerequipment located in front of the planter gage wheels can cause themoist or wet soil to accumulate on the gage wheels. The soilaccumulation increases the effective diameters of the gage wheels andcauses the planter to run too shallow with respect to the depositing ofthe seed in the seed furrows.

Planters are increasing in size, resulting in planters with sides orwings that fold upwardly and/or upwardly and forwardly. Locating thefertilizer depositing equipment on the front or leading end of theplanter can result in a planter that is still overly large after beingfolded or incapable of being folded without the removal of thefertilizer depositing equipment.

Planters are increasingly used in no-till situations, resulting in theplanter traversing fields with substantial deviation in the fieldsurface and a substantial amount of obstructions (e.g., debris, clods,stubble, old furrows, etc.). Furthermore, in certain Midwest farm areas,ditches must be plowed in fields between planting seasons to facilitatethe drainage of spring showers from the fields. Most planters haveproven ineffective in such rough field surface conditions. It is notunusual for the use of planters in rough field conditions to result inseed depths that radically range between too deep and too shallow. Also,it is not unusual for the use of planters in such field conditions toresult in the planter components being damaged.

There is a need in the art for a planter capable of providing liquidfertilizer in rough fields without adverse impact on seed depth anddamage to planter components. There is also a need in the art for aplanter capable of providing liquid fertilizer and still able to befolded without requiring removal of the fertilizer providing equipment.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of an agriculture planter, the planter may include aplanter frame, a seed hopper and a trailing arm assembly. The planterframe may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planterframe. The planter frame supports the seed hopper. The trailing armassembly may be pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planterframe, extend rearward from the planter frame, and include a trailingarm frame and a lever arm pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame bya pivot point. The lever arm may include a leading end, a trailing end,and a middle portion. The disc may be rotatably mounted to the lever armnear the leading end. The first wheel may be rotatably mounted to thelever arm near the trailing end. The middle portion may be pivotablycoupled to the pivot point.

In another embodiment of an agriculture planter, the planter may includea planter frame, a pivot point, and a walking axle assembly. The pivotpoint may be operably coupled to the planter frame. The walking axleassembly may include a lever arm, a furrow opening disc rotatablymounted on a leading end of the lever arm, and a first furrow closingwheel rotatably mounted on a trailing end of the lever arm. A middleportion of the lever arm may be pivotally coupled to the pivot point.

In yet another embodiment of an agriculture planter, the planter mayinclude a frame, a trailing arm assembly, a rotatable furrow-openingdisc, and a first rotatable furrow-closing wheel. The trailing armassembly may be pivotally coupled to a trailing side of the planterframe. The rotatable furrow-opening disc may be operably coupled to thetrailing arm assembly. The first rotatable furrow closing wheel may beoperably coupled to the trailing arm assembly. Displacement of the firstwheel relative to the trailing arm assembly causes displacement of thedisc relative to the trailing arm assembly.

In another embodiment of an agriculture planter, the planter may includea frame, a pivot point, and a walking axle assembly. The pivot point maybe operably coupled to the planter frame. The walking axle assembly mayinclude a lever arm. The lever arm may include a leading end, a trailingend, and a middle portion. Further, the lever arm may include two ormore mounting positions, and the middle portion of the lever arm may bepivotally coupled to the pivot point.

In still yet another embodiment of an agriculture planter, the plantermay include a frame, a pivot point, and a walking axle assembly. Thepivot point may be operably coupled to the planter frame. The walkingaxle assembly may include a lever arm. The lever arm may include atleast a leading end, a trailing end, and a middle portion. Further, thewalking axle assembly may include a furrow opening disc rotatablymounted on a trailing end of the lever arm, and a first furrow closingwheel rotatably mounted on a leading end of the lever arm. A middleportion of the lever arm may be pivotally coupled to the pivot point. Inanother embodiment, the furrow closing wheel may be rotatably mounted ona leading end of the lever arm. The leading end of the lever arm mayinclude a bracket with a plurality of mounting positions thereon. In yetanother embodiment, the furrow closing wheel may be rotatably mounted ona trailing end of the lever arm. The trailing end of the lever arm mayinclude a mounting bracket with two or more mounting positions thereon.

In an embodiment of a bracket arm assembly for use with an agricultureplanter that include a trailing arm frame defining a pivot pointthereon, the bracket arm assembly may include a bracket. The bracket mayinclude first, second, and third arms that each extend from a middleportion of the bracket. The bracket arm assembly may also include afurrow opening disc rotatably mounted on a mounting end of the firstarm, a first furrow closing wheel rotatably mounted on a mounting end ofthe second arm, and a second furrow closing wheel rotatably mounted on amounting end of the third arm. The middle portion of the bracket may beconfigured to be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at thepivot point.

In an embodiment of an arm bracket assembly for use with an agricultureplanter that includes a trailing arm frame, the arm bracket assembly mayinclude a bracket. The bracket may be configured to be pivotallycoupleable to the trailing arm frame. A fertilizer furrow opener discand first and second furrow closer wheels may be rotatably joined to thebracket. When the bracket is joined to the trailing arm frame, pivoteddisplacement of the first furrow wheel in a first direction may cause apivoted displacement of the second furrow wheel and the fertilizerfurrow opener disc in a second direction opposite the first direction.

An embodiment of a bracket for use with an agriculture planter includinga trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include first,second, third and fourth arms. Each of the arms may be joined to amiddle portion of the bracket. Two of the arms may include a mountingend configured to rotatably and selectively receive a fertilizer furrowopener disc. The other two arms may include a mounting end configured torotatably receive a furrow closer wheel. The two arms for receiving thefertilizer furrow opener disc may enable two fertilizer furrows to beopened on opposing sides of a seed furrow.

Another embodiment of an arm bracket assembly for use with anagricultural planter including a trailing arm frame may include an armbracket. The arm bracket may be configured to be coupleable to thetrailing arm frame. First and second fertilizer furrow opener discs andfirst and second furrow closer wheels may be rotatably joined to the armbracket. The arm bracket may be configured so that when the arm bracketis joined to the trailing arm frame, a pivoted displacement of the oneof the fertilizer furrow opener discs and furrow closer wheels in afirst direction causes a pivoted displacement of the other fertilizerfurrow opener disc and furrow closer wheel in a second directionopposite the first direction.

An embodiment of an agricultural planter may include an arm bracket. Thearm bracket may include first, second, third and fourth arms. Each armmay be joined to middle portion of the arm bracket. Two of the arms maybe configured to join first and second fertilizer furrow opener discs tothe arm bracket and extend from the middle portion so that thefertilizer furrow opener discs form fertilizer furrows on two sides of aseed furrow. The other two arms may be configured to join first andsecond furrow closer wheels to the arm bracket and extend from themiddle portion so that a pivoted displacement of one of the fertilizerfurrow opener discs and the furrow closer wheels in a first directioncauses a pivoted displacement of the other fertilizer furrow opener discand furrow closer wheel in a second direction opposite the firstdirection.

While multiple embodiments of planters with equalizer assemblies aredescribed herein, still other embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will berealized, planters with equalizer assemblies are capable ofmodifications in various aspects. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and notrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an agriculture tractor pulling an agricultureplanter towing a liquid fertilizer tank trailer.

FIG. 2 is a top-rear isometric view of the planter.

FIGS. 3-6 are the same side views of the planter, each illustrating adifferent state of the gage wheel and components of the trailing armassembly as the planter passes over an obstruction in the field surface.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a furrow opener of the trailing armassembly as taken along section line 7-7 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of a leading furrow closer of the trailing armassembly as taken along section line 8-8 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of a trailing furrow closer of the trailingarm assembly as taken along section line 9-9 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is the same view as depicted in FIG. 2, except of a planterprior to being retrofitted with the walking axle described with respectto FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view of the trailing arm assembly similar tothe viewing angle of FIG. 2, except the trailing arm is detached fromthe planter main frame.

FIG. 12 is generally the same isometric view of the trailing armdepicted in FIG. 11, except the liquid fertilizer distribution system isnot present.

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of the trailing arm assembly depictedin FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is another isometric view of the trailing arm assembly of FIG.12 as viewed from behind and below the trailing arm assembly.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the trailing arm assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the trailing arm assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the trailing arm assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the trailing arm assembly of FIG. 12,except employing a rebounder fertilizer assembly.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the trailing arm assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the flexible concave member of the rebounderfertilizer assembly of FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 21 is a view of the member of FIG. 20 as viewed from the samedirection as FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an exploded isometric view of the member of FIG. 20 and thefertilizer tube.

FIG. 23 is a cross section through the concave member as taken alongsection line 23-23 in FIG. 20.

FIGS. 24-26 are the same side views of the planter, each illustrating adifferent mounting position of the furrow closer wheel with respect tothe lever arm.

FIGS. 27-29 are the same side views of the planter, each illustrating adifferent mounting position of the furrow closer wheel with respect tothe lever arm.

FIG. 30 is a side view of one embodiment of the lever arm.

FIG. 31 is a side view of another embodiment of the lever arm.

FIGS. 32-34 are the same side views of the planter, each illustrating adifferent state of the gage wheel and components of the trailing armassembly as the planter passes over an obstruction in the field surface.

FIG. 35 is a top isometric view of one embodiment of a pivotable armbracket.

FIG. 36 is a top view of the pivotable arm bracket of FIG. 35.

FIGS. 37A and 37B are an isometric and a side view, respectively, of amiddle portion of a pivotable arm bracket.

FIGS. 38A and 38B are right and left side views of a pivotable armbracket connected to the trailing arm frame, FIG. 38A showing thepivotable arm bracket connected such that the fertilizer furrow openerdisc is in a leading position and FIG. 38B showing the connection for atrailing position.

FIGS. 39A and 39B are top rear isometric views of a trailing armassembly, FIG. 39A showing the pivotable arm bracket connected to thetrailing arm frame such that the fertilizer furrow opener disc is in aleading position and FIG. 39B showing the connection for a trailingposition.

FIGS. 40A and 40B are front and rear views, respectively, of a trailingarm assembly, FIG. 40A showing the pivotable arm bracket connected tothe trailing arm frame such that the fertilizer furrow opener disc is ina leading position and FIG. 40B showing the connection for a trailingposition.

FIGS. 41A and 41B are right and left side views, respectively, of atrailing arm assembly, FIG. 41A showing the pivotable arm bracketconnected to the trailing arm frame such that the fertilizer furrowopener disc is in a leading position and FIG. 41B showing the connectionfor a trailing position.

FIG. 42 shows a side elevation view of the arm bracket of FIG. 35.

FIG. 43 shows a cross-section view of the arm bracket of FIG. 42, viewedalong line 43-43 in FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 shows a cross-section view of the arm bracket of FIG. 42, viewedalong line 44-44 in FIG. 42.

FIG. 45 shows a cross-section view of the arm bracket of FIG. 42, viewedalong line 45-45 in FIG. 42.

FIG. 46 shows an isometric view of a furrow closer wheel arm for the armbracket of FIG. 42.

FIG. 47 shows a top plan view of the furrow closer wheel arm of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 shows a side elevation view of the furrow closer wheel arm ofFIG. 46.

FIG. 49 shows another side elevation view of the furrow closer wheel armof FIG. 46.

FIG. 50 shows an isometric view of a mounting end for the furrow closerwheel arm of FIG. 46.

FIG. 51 shows a front elevation view of the mounting end of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 shows a side elevation view of the mounting end of FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 shows an isometric view of a pivot pin for the mounting end ofFIG. 50.

FIG. 54 shows a cross-section view of the pivot pin of FIG. 53, viewedalong line 54-54 in FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 shows a cross-section view of the pivot pin of FIG. 53, viewedalong line 55-55 in FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 shows an isometric view of a furrow opener disc arm for the armbracket of FIG. 42.

FIG. 57 shows a top plan view of the furrow opener disc arm of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 shows a side elevation view of the furrow opener disc arm ofFIG. 56.

FIG. 59 shows another side elevation view of the furrow opener disc armof FIG. 56.

FIG. 60 shows an isometric view of a mounting end for the furrow openerdisc arm of FIG. 56.

FIG. 61 shows a front elevation view of the mounting end of FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 shows a side elevation view of the mounting end of FIG. 60

FIG. 63 shows an isometric view of a flange for the mounting end of FIG.60.

FIG. 64 shows a top plan view of the flange of FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 shows a front elevation view of the flange of FIG. 65.

FIGS. 66-68 are several perspective views of one embodiment of apivotable arm bracket including an arm bracket and sleeve, a smoothsurface closing wheel, a toothed or cleated closing wheel, and afertilizer furrow forming disc.

FIG. 69 is a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 66-68 showing twopositions for the adjustable bracket.

FIG. 70 is a left side elevation view of the pivotable arm bracketconnected to another version of a trailing arm frame.

FIG. 71 is a front elevation of a trailing arm assembly showing thepivotable arm bracket connected to the trailing arm frame of FIG. 70such that the fertilizer furrow opener disc is in a leading position.

FIG. 72 is another left side elevation view of the pivotable arm bracketconnected to the trailing arm frame of FIG. 70.

FIG. 73 is a top rear isometric view of a trailing arm assembly showingthe pivotable arm bracket connected to the trailing arm frame of FIG. 70such that the fertilizer furrow opener disc is in a trailing position.

FIG. 74 is a rear elevation of a trailing arm assembly showing thepivotable arm bracket connected to the trailing arm frame of FIG. 70such that the fertilizer furrow opener disc is in a trailing position.

FIG. 75 is a rear elevation view of a fertilizer furrow disc openershowing a sleeve for a fertilizer tub joined to the fertilizer furrowdisc opener.

FIG. 76 is an exploded view of a portion of a trailing arm assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 77 is a top view of another pivotable arm bracket including fourarms.

FIG. 78 is a side view of the pivotable arm bracket of FIG. 77.

FIGS. 79A and 79B are right and left side views of the pivotable armbracket of FIG. 77 connected to the trailing arm frame, FIG. 79A showingthe pivotable arm bracket connected such that the fertilizer furrowopener discs arms are in a leading position and FIG. 79B showing theconnection for a trailing position.

FIGS. 80A and 80B are right and left side views of the pivotable armbracket of FIG. 77 connected to the trailing arm frame, FIG. 80A showingthe pivotable arm bracket connected to the trailing arm frame such thatthe fertilizer furrow opener discs are in a leading position and FIG.80B showing the connection for a trailing position.

FIG. 81 is a right side view of the embodiment of the pivotable armbracket of FIG. 77 connected to the trailing arm frame and showing twopositions for the adjustable brackets located proximate the fertilizerfurrow opener discs.

FIG. 82 is a top view of another pivotable arm bracket including fourarms.

FIG. 83 is a left side view of the pivotable arm bracket of FIG. 82connected to the trailing arm frame in which one fertilizer furrowopener disc arm is in a leading position and a second fertilizer furrowopener disc arm is in a trailing position.

FIGS. 84A and 84B are left and right side views the pivotable armbracket of FIG. 82 connected to the trailing arm frame in which onefertilizer furrow opener disc is in a leading position and a secondfertilizer furrow opener disc is in a trailing position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein, in at least one embodiment, is an agriculture planter200 having a series of trailing arm assemblies 270 each equipped with afertilizer furrow opener disc 305 and a trailing furrow closer wheel 315mounted on a lever arm 335 to form a “walking axle” configuration orassembly 325. This configuration along with the location of the trailingarm assemblies 270 provides a number of advantages.

First, the walking axle assembly 325 allows the fertilizer furrow openerdisc 305 and trailing furrow closer wheel 315 to follow the contours ofthe field, oscillating as the disc 305 and wheel 315 negotiate over orthrough an obstruction 295 in a field surface 300 without adverselyimpacting seed deposit depth or resulting in damage to the plantercomponents. The ability of the disc 305 and wheel 315 to follow thecontours of the field surface 300 facilitates: the disc 305 being incontact with the field surface 300 to open a fertilizer furrow 290; andthe trailing furrow closer wheel 315 being in contact with the fieldsurface 300 to close the seed and fertilizer furrows 280, 290.

Second, the ability of the walking axle assembly 325 to oscillate overvariances in the field surface 300 allows the down pressure of the disc305 and wheel 315 to balance between each other such that one or theother does not take all or substantially all of the downward pressure.In other words, the walking axle assembly 325 helps the disc 305 andwheel 315 to have relatively constant downward pressure, which avoidssituations where one or the other takes a substantial portion of thedownward pressure and causes the planter seed depth to become tooshallow or too deep.

Third, the location of the walking axle assemblies 325 on the rear ortrailing end of the planter 200 allows the planter 200 fold up withoutinterference from the walking axle assemblies 325. Also, being locatedat the rear or trailing end of the planter 200 eliminates the issueswith soil buildup on the gage wheels 265 caused by fertilizer equipmentbeing located on the front or leading end of the planter 200.

For a detailed discussion of the planter 200 and its features, referenceis made to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a side view of an agriculturetractor 205 pulling the agriculture planter 200 towing a liquidfertilizer tank trailer 210. FIG. 2 is a top-rear isometric view of theplanter 200.

As shown in FIG. 1, the planter 200 may include a tongue or hitch 215for hitching the planter 200 to the hitch 220 of the tractor 205. Thetractor 205 tows the planter 200 in the direction of arrow F andprovides power to the planter 200 (e.g., via a power take off (“PTO”))for powering the operations of the planter 200.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the fertilizer trailer 210 may include a hitch225 for coupling the trailer 210 to the rear of the planter 200, therebyallowing the trailer 210 to be towed behind the planter 200. The trailer210 may include a tank 230 for holding liquid fertilizer and a pump 235for pumping the fertilizer through a hose 240 extending between the tank230 and the planter 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the planter 200 may include a frame 245 fromwhich the hitch 215 extends and the various planter components aresupported. The various components of the planter 200 may include rowunits 250 and a liquid fertilizer distribution tube 255. Thedistribution tube 255 distributes the liquid fertilizer to the variousrow units 250.

Each row unit may include a furrow opener disc 260, a gage wheel 265, atrailing arm assembly 270, and a seed hopper 275. The seed furrow openerdisc 260 creates a furrow 280 in which the planter 200 deposits seed 282in a manner well known in the art. The gage wheel 265 assists indetermining the depth at which the planter 200 deposits the seed. Thegage wheel 265 is mounted to the frame 245 via a gage wheel lever arm283, which is pivotally coupled to the frame 245 via a pivot pin 284.The seed hopper 275 serves as the seed reservoir for its row unit 250.The trailing arm assembly 270 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 245via a pivot pin 285 and, as explained in the following discussion, mayinclude components for opening a fertilizer furrow 290, deliveringliquid fertilizer from the distribution tube 255 into the furrow 290,and closing the seed and fertilizer furrows 280, 290.

For a discussion of the various components of the trailing arm assembly270 and the operation of those components, reference is made to FIGS.3-9. FIGS. 3-6 are the same side views of the planter 200, eachillustrating a different state of the gage wheel 265 and components ofthe trailing arm assembly 270 as the planter passes over an obstruction295 in the field surface 300. FIG. 7 is a cross section of a fertilizerfurrow opener disc 305 of the trailing arm assembly 270 as taken alongsection line 7-7 in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a cross section of a leadingfurrow closer wheel 310 of the trailing arm assembly 270 as taken alongsection line 8-8 in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a cross section of a trailingfurrow closer wheel 315 of the trailing arm assembly 270 as taken alongsection line 9-9 in FIG. 3.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the trailing arm assembly 270 may include atrailing arm frame 320, the leading furrow closer wheel 310, a walkingaxle or lever arm assembly 325, and fertilizer deposit tube 330. Thetrailing arm frame 320 includes a pivot end pivotally coupled to theframe 245 via the pivot pin 285. The walking axle or lever arm assembly325 includes a lever arm 335, the fertilizer furrow opener disc 305 andthe trailing closer wheel 315.

As indicated in FIGS. 3 and 8, the lever arm assembly 325 is pivotallycoupled to the trailing arm frame 320 via a pivot pin 340 extendingthrough a middle portion of the lever arm 335. On the opposite side ofthe trailing arm frame 320, the leading furrow closer wheel 310 ispivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame 320 via a pivot pin 346,which is located generally directly opposite the pivot pin 340 of thelever arm 335. The leading closer wheel 310 may be tilted or inclinedsuch that its pivotal axis is between approximately 13 degrees andapproximately 25 degrees from being horizontal.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the fertilizer furrow opener disc 305 ispivotally coupled to the front or leading end 345 of the lever arm 335via a pivot pin 350 extending through the lever arm 335. The fertilizerdeposit tube 330 extends downwardly from the fertilizer distributiontube 255, through a bracket assembly 360 that couples the deposit tube330 to the lever arm 335 slightly forward of the lever arm center pivotpin 340, and terminates in a flexible tubing 365, which may beseparately replaceable from the rest of the deposit tube 330. Thefertilizer deposit tube 330 may also extend through the flexible tubing365 and may terminate at approximately the end of the flexible tubing365. Additionally, the fertilizer deposit tube 330 may extend throughthe flexible tubing 365 and may terminate at any point within theflexible tubing 365. The flexible tubing 365 may be a polymer materialreinforced or not reinforced with metal or other types of braiding.Candidate polymer materials may include polypropylene, ethyl vinylacetate (“EVA”), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (“EPDM”), etc.Tubing 365 may not be flexible, but instead may be rigid.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 9, the trailing closer wheel 315 is pivotallycoupled to the back or trailing end 370 of the lever arm 335 via a pivotpin 375 extending through the lever arm 335. The trailing closer wheel315 may be tilted or inclined such that its pivotal axis is betweenapproximately 13 degrees and approximately 25 degrees from beinghorizontal.

As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 7-8, in one embodiment, the trailing armassembly 270 includes an adjustment lever 376. This lever 376 allows thedown force exerted by the closer wheels 310, 315 to be adjusted. As isknown in the art, a spring extends between a bottom end of the lever 376and the planter main frame 245. The position of the lever 376 may be setto set the down force on the closing wheels 310, 315. When the lever 376is in the forward position, the resulting down force on account of thespring is zero pounds, and when the lever 376 is the rearward position,the resulting force on account of the spring is at least 120 pounds.

FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of the trailing arm assembly 270. FIG. 11is a rear isometric view of the trailing arm assembly similar to theviewing angle of FIGS. 2 and 7-8, except the trailing arm assembly isdetached from the planter main frame. Also similar to FIGS. 7 and 8, theadjustment lever 376 of FIG. 11 may adjust the down force exerted by thecloser wheels 310, 315. Additionally, the trailing arm assembly 270 ofFIG. 11 includes the liquid fertilizer distribution system, with thedeposit tube 330 and the flexible tubing 365.

FIGS. 12-17 also depict a similar embodiment of the trailing armassembly 270, except FIGS. 12-17 are not shown in a field and do notshow the liquid fertilizer distribution system. FIG. 12 is generally thesame isometric view of the trailing arm depicted in FIG. 11 and,similarly, FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of the trailing armassembly depicted in FIG. 12. Additionally, FIGS. 11-13 illustrate thetrailing arm assembly mounting holes 352, the point at which thetrailing arm assembly may attach to the planter main frame. FIG. 14 isanother isometric view of the trailing arm assembly of FIG. 12 as viewedfrom behind and below the trailing arm assembly 270.

FIGS. 15-17 also depict different views of the trailing arm assembly ofFIG. 12. Similar to FIGS. 11-13, FIG. 15 is a side view of the trailingarm assembly of FIG. 12 and illustrates the trailing arm assemblymounting holes 352, where the trailing arm assembly may attach to theplanter main frame. FIG. 16 is a front view of the trailing arm assemblyof FIG. 12. The spring, not shown in FIG. 16, but is previouslydiscussed with respect to FIGS. 2 and 7-8, may extend between a bottomend of the lever 376 and the planter main frame 24. Furthermore, thespring may be various types of springs including, but not limited to acoil spring. Additionally, FIG. 17 is a rear view of the trailing armassembly of FIG. 12. FIG. 17 illustrates an attachment point 354, inwhich the adjustment lever 376 may attach to the trailing arm assembly.

In other embodiments, the trailing arm assembly 270 includes a screwadjustment feature in place of the lever 376 depicted in FIGS. 2 and7-8. As is known in the art, the screw adjustment feature can be screwedin or out to adjust a spring arrangement to set the down force on theclosing wheels 310, 315.

Regardless of whether a down force is set via a lever arrangement or ascrew adjustment arrangement, setting the down force for the maximumamount is not generally an ideal situation for any planter, includingthe planter disclosed herein. This is because the extreme down forcecauses an upward force on a planter when the seed boxes get low on seed.This, in turn, causes a planter to ride or plant shallower than when theseed boxes were full of seed. Also, extremely high down force settingscan cause closer wheels to act like a trowel in concrete, therebysealing the soil so tight that the plants have a hard time emerging orplants are crusted under. Such troweling often results in the fieldhaving to be replanted or low plant numbers. Reducing the down forceeliminates the troweling effect. However, until the arrival of thewalking axle assembly 325 disclosed herein, some operators found itnecessary in certain field conditions to increase the down force inorder to get adequate furrow closure. In any event, the instantdisclosure may work under a variety of down force loads, including noincreased down force loads.

As a benefit of the walking axle assembly 325 disclosed herein, the downforce on the closer wheels 310, 315 does not have to be set for themaximum down pressure at the lever 376 or screw adjustment feature.Because the fertilizer disc 305 pivots about the axis 340 and the wheel315 and disc 305 can oscillate, a steady pressure on the closer wheel315 and disc 305 can be maintained without requiring maxing out the downforce via the lever 376 or screw adjustment feature. Thus, the walkingaxle assembly 325 disclosed herein can provide good furrow closing whilereducing the likelihood the seeder is going to lift or troweling willoccur.

In one embodiment, the lever 376 or screw adjustment feature can be setto establish down force in the mid-range (e.g., 40 lbs. to 60 lbs.) andstill achieve good down force for the closer wheels 310, 315. Such downforce settings with the walking axle assembly 325 provides good furrowclosing action in firm as well as soft soils.

As can be understood from FIGS. 3 and 7, the seed furrow opener disc 260opens the seed furrow 280. A seed deposit tube 380, which follows theseed furrow opener disc 260 and extends down into the seed furrow 280,deposits the seed 282 in the seed furrow 280.

As can be understood from FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 8, the fertilizer furrowopener disc 305 opens the fertilizer furrow 290. The flexible tubing 365of the fertilizer deposit tube 330, which follows the fertilizer furrowopener disc 305 and extends close to or down into the fertilizer furrow290, deposits the liquid fertilizer 385 in the fertilizer furrow 290.Depending on the soil firmness, the fertilizer tubing 365 may run on topof the fertilizer furrow or down into the fertilizer furrow. When ontop, the fertilizer will filter down into the soil or slice/groove madeby the fertilizer disc 305.

While a fertilizer deposit tube 330 employing an arrangement withflexible tubing 365 is depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 8 and 11, in otherembodiments the fertilizer depositing assembly will have configurationas depicted in FIGS. 18-23. This may be because in some soil conditionsthe flexible tubing 365 may bounce around. For example, the fertilizerdisc 305 may only make a narrow fertilizer furrow in the soil.Consequently, unless the soil is soft, the tubing 365 may not enter intothe fertilizer furrow very deep. As the fertilizer comes out of thetubing, it may soak into the soil or be drawn into the moist soilexposed by the disc 305. Sometimes the tubing 365 may bounce around asit encounters field residue or rough ground. This can cause thefertilizer to splatter onto the closer wheels 310, 315, thereby causingsoil to build up on the wheels.

To overcome the issues that are sometimes presented by the tubing 365,the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 18-23 may be employed. As shown inFIGS. 18-23, the fertilizer dispensing assembly 500 employs a rebounderassembly 505 including a concave blade or member 510 coupled to the axle340 in a pivotal and/or biased manner. Thus, the bottom end 515 of theconcave member 510 is forced or maintained against the soil surface 300.

In one embodiment, the member 510 is flexible and made from a resilientand flexible metal or polymer material. As can be understood from FIGS.20 and 23, which are, respectively, a side view of the member 510 and across section through the member 510 as taken along section line 23-23in FIG. 20, the member is concave such that the concave surface 530faces towards the soil surface 300 when used as depicted in FIGS. 18 and19. The bottom end 515 may be blunt or concave.

As shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 20, which are, respectively, side and rearview of the lever arm assembly 325 and a side view of the member 510,the deposit tube 330 may be mounted to the walking arm 335 beforeextending down the rebounder assembly 505 to terminate as a nozzle orend 525. The terms “walking arm” and “lever arm” may be usedinterchangeably throughout this discussion. As can be understood fromFIG. 22, which is an exploded isometric view of the tube 330 and member510, a hole 520 extends through the member 510 so that, as can beunderstood from FIGS. 18, 20 and 21, the nozzle 525 passes through orterminates in the hole 520. Accordingly, liquid fertilizer can exit thenozzle; pass through the member 510 and into the fertilizer furrow.

Thus, the fertilizer dispensing assembly 500 is able to place the liquidfertilizer in a straight shot into the fertilizer furrow 290 made by thedisc 305. The concave design and flexibility of the member 510 helps toprevent fertilizer from ending up on the closer wheels 310, 315. Themember 510 runs over the top of the furrow 290 depositing the fertilizerin the furrow, rather than in other locations that lead to soil buildupon the press wheels.

The fertilizer furrow opener disc 305 may be laterally offset relativeto the seed furrow opener disc 260 such that the fertilizer furrow 290is laterally offset from the seed furrow 280 a distance betweenapproximately one inch and approximately three inches. The lateraloffset between the two furrows 280, 290 assists in reducing thelikelihood that the fertilizer 385 may burn the seed 282.

As can be understood from FIGS. 2, 3, 7-9, the leading closer wheel 310partially closes the seed furrow 280, and the trailing closer wheel 315then completes the full closure of the seed furrow 280. The trailingcloser wheel 315 also closes the fertilizer furrow 290 via pressureexerted inward to the seed furrow 280 and outward to the fertilizerfurrow 290. The closing wheels 310, 315 running at an angle will putpressure inward toward the seed furrow 280 and also some outwardpressure toward the fertilizer furrow 290.

The double discs open up the seed furrow 280, wedging the soil out in toa V and creating side wall compaction. The fertilizer disc 305 willeliminate the side wall compaction resulting from the formation of theseed furrow by the double discs. This makes it much easier for thecloser wheels 310, 315 to crush the soil around the seed. Such discs canbe run on both sides of the seed furrow.

As indicated in FIG. 3, the planter 200 approaches an obstruction 295(e.g., rock, dirt clod, stubble, branch, ditch, dip, etc.) as theplanter 200 travels in the direction of arrow F. As shown in FIG. 4, thegage wheel 265 pivots upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow W viaits gage wheel lever arm 283 and relative to the lever arm pivot pin 284to clear the obstruction 295. Once the gage wheel 265 clears theobstruction 295, the gage wheel 265 returns to contacting the surface300 as indicated in FIG. 3.

As depicted in FIG. 5, as the planter 200 continues in the direction ofarrow F, fertilizer furrow opener disc 305 eventually encounters theobstruction 295. In doing so, the fertilizer furrow opener disc 305 andthe leading end 345 of the lever arm 335 on which the disc 305 ismounted are caused to rotate upwardly about the lever arm center pivotpin 340, as indicated by arrow X. The resulting clockwise pivot of thedisc 305 about the lever arm center pivot pin 340 causes the trailingcloser wheel 315 and trailing end 370 of the lever arm 335 to clockwisepivot about the center pivot pin 340. Thus, the trailing closer wheel315 presses harder against the field surface 300 as indicated by arrowY. The downward pressure of the trailing closer wheel 315 coupled withthe disc 305 clearing the obstruction 295 causes an upward force on thelever arm center pivot pin 340, which causes the pin 340 and thetrailing arm frame 320 to rotate upwardly, as indicated by arrow Z,about the pivot pin 285 attaching the trailing arm frame 320 to theplanter frame 245. Due to the trailing arm frame 320 rotating upwardlyas indicated by arrow Z, the leading closer wheel 310 also raisesupwardly as it travels with the trailing arm frame 320. Due to the leverarm 335 moving upwardly with its pivot pin 340, the bracket 360 movesalong with the lever arm 335, which causes the flexible tubing 365 ofthe fertilizer deposit tube 330 to move upwardly and, perhaps, eventemporarily out of the fertilizer furrow, as shown in FIG. 5. Once thedisc 305 clears the obstruction 295, the trailing arm frame 320 andlever arm 335 return to normal operation as indicated in FIG. 3. As aresult, the disc 305 again creates a furrow 290 in which the flexibletubing 365 again returns.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, as the planter 200 continues in the directionof arrow F, the trailing closer wheel 315 eventually encounters theobstruction 295. In doing so, the wheel 315 and the trailing end 370 ofthe lever arm 335 on which the wheel 315 is mounted are caused to rotateupwardly about the lever arm center pivot pin 340, as indicated by arrowY′. The resulting counter clockwise pivot of the wheel 315 about thelever arm center pivot pin 340 causes the fertilizer furrow opener disc305 and leading end 345 of the lever arm 335 to counter clockwise pivotabout the center pivot pin 340. Thus, the disc 305 presses harderagainst the field surface 300 as indicated by arrow X′. The downwardpressure of the disc 305 coupled with the wheel 315 clearing theobstruction 295 causes an upward force on the lever arm center pivot pin340, which causes the pin 340 and the trailing arm frame 320 to rotateupwardly, as indicated by arrow Z′, about the pivot pin 285 attachingthe trailing arm frame 320 to the planter frame 245. However, due to thedownward rotation of the disc 305 and the leading end 345 of the leverarm, the disc 305 may still create a furrow 290 despite the trailing armframe 320 moving upwardly as indicated by Z′.

Due to the trailing arm frame 320 rotating upwardly as indicated byarrow Z′, the leading closer wheel 310 also raises upwardly as ittravels with the trailing arm frame 320. Due to the lever arm 335 movingupwardly with its pivot pin 340, the bracket 360 moves along with thelever arm 335, which causes the flexible tubing 365 of the fertilizerdeposit tube 330 to move upwardly. However, due to the downward rotationof the disc 305 and the leading end 345 of the lever arm, the flexibletubing 365 may still remain in the furrow 290 despite the trailing armframe 320 moving upwardly as indicated by Z′. Once the wheel 315 clearsthe obstruction 295, the trailing arm frame 320 and lever arm 335 returnto normal operation as indicated in FIG. 3.

As can be understood from FIGS. 3-6, where the leading end length of thelever arm 335 (as measured between the pivots 340, 350) is generallyshorter than the trailing end length of the lever arm 335 (as measuredbetween the pivots 340, 375), the displacement of the wheel 315 relativeto the trailing arm assembly 270 in an upward direction causes agenerally smaller displacement of the disc 305 relative to the trailingarm assembly 270 in a downward direction. For example, the wheel 315 maymove upwardly three inches when the disc 305 moves downwardly twoinches. Thus, the lever arm arrangement provides a mechanicaldisadvantage such that an upward force on the wheel 315 creates agreater downward force on the disc 305 to force the disc 305 into hardsoil. In one embodiment, the ratio of the leading end length of thelever arm 335 relative to the longer trailing end length of the leverarm 335 is approximately five to approximately seven. In anotherembodiment, the ratio of the leading end length of the lever arm 335relative to the longer trailing end length of the lever arm 335 isapproximately three to approximately five.

Where the leading end and trailing end lengths of the lever arm 335 arenot equal, the displacement of the wheel 315 relative to the trailingarm assembly 270 in an upward direction causes a generally proportionaldisplacement of the disc 305 relative to the trailing arm assembly 270in a downward direction. In other words, the displacement distances willnot be equal to each other, but they will be proportionally related toeach other based on the proportional relationship of the respectivelengths of the leading and trailing end lengths.

In one embodiment, the walking axle 325 may be provided as a package andused to retrofit an existing planter 200′ (as shown in FIG. 10) to havea fertilizer or improved fertilizer capability. For a discussionregarding making such a retrofit, reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 10.FIG. 10 is the same view as depicted in FIG. 2, except of a planter 200′prior to being retrofitted with the walking axle 325 described withrespect to FIGS. 1-9. For purposes of discussing the retrofit, FIG. 2represents the planter subsequent to the retrofit.

As shown in FIG. 10, the planter 200′ may have a trailing arm assembly270′ pivotally coupled to the frame 245′ of the planter 200′. Thetrailing arm assembly 270′ may have two furrow closer wheels 310′, 315′that are directly opposite from each other such that their respectiveaxles may be generally aligned with each other or staggeredapproximately one to two inches. The planter 200′ is not equipped fordelivering fertilizer, but its owner would like it to be. Instead ofpurchasing a completely new planter with trailing arm assemblies 270having walking axle assemblies 325 as discussed with respect to FIGS.1-9, the owner purchases retrofit packages having the walking axleassemblies 325 and retrofits the existing planter 200′ as follows.

As can be understood from FIGS. 2 and 10, for each of the trailing armassemblies 270′, one of the furrow closer wheels 310′ is removed and apackaged walking axle assembly 325, as described above with respect toFIGS. 1-9, is mounted near the pivot point of the removed wheel 310′.The walking axle assembly 325, with its furrow opener disc 305,fertilizer tube 365, lever arm 335 and trailing wheel 315, is now ableto follow the contours of the field surface 300 while delivering liquidfertilizer.

As can be understood from FIGS. 3-6, in one embodiment, the lever armassembly 325 may be considered a “walking axle” configuration thatallows the disc 305 and trailing closer wheel 315 to walk over anobstruction 295 in the field surface 300. In other words, theconfiguration of the lever arm assembly 325 allows the disc 305 andwheel 315 to follow the contours of the field surface. Thus, the depthof the fertilizer 385 can be held more constant than previously possiblein field surfaces 300 with significant obstructions 295.

The configuration of the lever arm assembly 325 also results in abalance of the downward pressure exerted on the field surface 300 by thedisc 305 and wheel 315. More specifically, the configuration of thelever arm assembly 325 assists in keeping downwardly pressure of thedisc 305 and wheel 315 generally constant regardless of the obstructionsor variation in the field surface 300. This generally balanced andconstant downward pressure of the disc 305 and wheel 315 assists inmaintaining a constant fertilizer depth, preventing variations in fieldsurface conditions from causing fertilizer depth to become too shallowor too deep.

In a further embodiment, FIGS. 24-29 illustrate different configurationsof the components of the trailing arm assembly 270. FIGS. 24-26 are thesame side views of the planter 200, with each figure illustrating adifferent mounting position of the trailing furrow closer wheel 315 withrespect to the lever arm 335. Further, FIGS. 24-26 illustrate that thetrailing furrow closer wheel 315 may pivotally couple to the back ortrailing end 370 of the lever arm 335 in any one of three mountingpositions. FIGS. 27-29 are the same side views of the planter 200, witheach figure illustrating a different mounting position of the furrowcloser wheel 715 with respect to the lever arm 735, which includes fourmounting positions. Further, FIGS. 27-29 illustrate the furrow closingwheel 715 pivotally mounted at the front or leading end 745 of the leverarm 735 and the furrow opening disc 705 at the back or trailing edge 770of the lever arm 735. FIGS. 27-29 will be discussed in further detailbelow.

As depicted in FIGS. 30 and 31, the lever arm 335 may include twodistinct segments, a first segment and a second segment, which may beconnected at the middle portion of the lever arm 335. As previouslydiscussed and illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8, the lever arm 335 maypivotally connect to the trailing arm frame 320 via a pivot pin 340extending through a pivot of the lever arm 335. The first segment andthe second segment of the lever arm 335 may be approximately linear withrespect to one another (as shown in FIG. 30) or at an angle with respectto one another (as shown in FIG. 31). Further, the first segment and thesecond segment may be one continuous lever arm, or may be two separatepieces configured to form a lever arm. For example, the first and secondsegments may be two separate pieces and the first segment may beattached to the second segment at the pivot.

Additionally, the movement of the first segment of the lever arm 335 maybe directly related to the movement of the second segment. In oneexample, as the first segment of the lever arm 335 moves upwardly, thesecond segment may move downwardly by a proportional distance. Inanother example, the movement of the first segment of the lever arm 335may be relative to the movement of the second segment. In this example,the first segment may move upwardly, but there may be some flexibilityaround the pivot, thus the second segment may move downwardly by arelative distance to the movement of the first segment (as the secondsegment may be somewhat flexible with respect to the first segment).

In FIG. 30, the back or trailing end 370 of the lever arm 335 may alsoinclude, for example, three possible mounting positions where thetrailing furrow closer wheel 315 may pivotally couple to the back ortrailing end 370 of the lever arm 335. Although three mounting positionsare discussed and illustrated herein, this is done for explanatorypurposes only. The lever arm 335 may have any number of mountingpositions including one, two or more. The lever arm 335 may also includea mounting bracket, where the mounting bracket may include one ormultiple mounting positions. As depicted in FIG. 30, the top mountingposition 30 a may allow the furrow opener disc 305 to run approximatelyone inch deep with respect to a field surface. The field surface mayvary due to obstructions such as debris, clods, stubble and so on, thusthe depth of the furrow opener disc 305 may vary depending on thedeviations in the field surface. Further, the middle mounting position30 b may allow the furrow opener disc 305 to run approximately one and ahalf inches deep with respect to the field surface and, as previouslydiscussed, the bottom mounting position 30 c may allow the furrow openerdisc 305 to run approximately two inches deep in the soil with respectto the field surface.

One embodiment set forth in FIG. 24 illustrates the trailing furrowcloser wheel 315 mounted in the bottom mounting position of the back ortrailing end 370 of the lever arm 335. In FIG. 24, the trailing furrowcloser wheel 315 is also pivotally coupled to the lever arm 335 via apivot pin 375. By mounting the trailing furrow closer wheel 315 in thebottom mounting position of the lever arm 335, the bottom mountingposition on the lever arm 335 may allow the furrow opener disc 305 torun approximately two inches deep in the soil.

Moreover, as depicted in FIG. 24, fertilizer furrow opener disc 305 maybe pivotally coupled to the front or leading end 345 of the lever arm335 via a pivot pin 350. The fertilizer deposit tube 330 may be locatedin the middle portion of the lever arm 335 and the fertilizer tube 365may extend downwardly from the fertilizer deposit tube 330.

Similar to FIG. 24, FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate the trailing furrowcloser wheel 315 in different mounting positions on the lever arm 335.For example, FIG. 25 depicts that the trailing furrow closer wheel 315may be mounted in the approximately middle mounting position of the backor trailing end 370 of the lever arm 335. Similar to FIG. 24, thetrailing furrow closer wheel 315 of FIG. 25 may be pivotally coupled tothe lever arm 335 via a pivot pin 375. Additionally, FIG. 26 depicts thetrailing furrow closer wheel 315 mounted in the top mounting position onthe lever arm 335. Also, similar to FIGS. 24 and 25, the trailing furrowcloser wheel 315 of FIG. 26 may pivotally couple to the back or trailingend 370 of the lever arm 335.

In a further embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27-29, the furrow closerwheel 715 may be pivotally coupled to the front or leading end 745 ofthe lever 735. As depicted in FIGS. 27-29, the front or leading end 745of the lever 735 includes multiple mounting positions for the furrowcloser wheel 715. Also, FIGS. 27-29 are the same side views of theplanter 200, with each figure illustrating a different mounting positionof the furrow closer wheel 715 with respect to the lever arm 735.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27-29, the furrow opener disc 705 may bepivotally coupled to the back or the trailing end 770 of the lever arm735. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the furrow closer wheel 715 may bepivotally coupled to the front or leading end 745 of the lever arm 735.Furthermore, the fertilizer deposit tube bracket 730 may be positionednear the back or trailing end 770 of the portion of the lever arm 735,and the fertilizer tube 765 may extend downwardly into and through thefertilizer deposit tube bracket 730, to extend into the furrow. Thefertilizer tube may extend into the bracket 730 with a replaceableextension extending from the bracket into the fertilizer furrow. Thiswould allow replacement or repair of only the end portion of theflexible tubing 365 rather than the entire tube. Further, the fertilizerdeposit tube may extend downwardly through a fertilizer deposit tubebracket 730 that couples the deposit tube to the lever arm 735 slightlyforward of the lever arm center pivot pin, and terminates in a flexibletubing 765, which may be separately replaceable from the rest of thedeposit tube. The fertilizer deposit tube may also extend through theflexible tubing 765 and may terminate at approximately the end of theflexible tubing 765. Additionally, the fertilizer deposit tube mayextend through the flexible tubing 765 and may terminate at any pointwithin the flexible tubing 765.

Benefits of the lever arm assembly 725 where the furrow opener disc 705may be mounted to the back or trailing end 770 of the lever arm 735, mayinclude, but are not limited to, less side pressure on the equalizer armand reducing the likelihood that the furrow opener disc 305 may divedown into loose soils. Further, liquids may not splash onto the planterbecause the high pressure fertilizer tips or nozzles may be mountedbehind the furrow opener disc 705, thus placing the liquid dispersalbehind the planter 200. Moreover, due to the reduced fertilizer and/ormud build up on the planter units and wheels, the planter 200 may notdog leg or pull to the side while traveling down the field.

In one embodiment described herein, the fertilizer disc is positioned atthe front end of the lever arm and may be more effective in forming afurrow in harder soil, or soil which is untilled. In another embodimentdescribed herein, the fertilizer disc is positioned at the rear end ofthe lever arm and may be more effective in forming a furrow in softersoil.

As shown in FIG. 27, the furrow opener disc 705 may be rotatably coupledto the back or the trailing end 770 of the lever arm 735 via a pivot pin775 extending through the lever arm 735 at a mounting position 31 c (seeFIG. 31). Additionally, the furrow closer wheel 715 may be rotatablycoupled to the front or leading end 745 of the lever arm 735 via a pivotpin 750 extending through the lever arm 735. Further, in FIG. 27, thefurrow closer wheel 715 may be mounted to any of four mounting positionsincluded on the lever arm 735 (see FIG. 31). Although four mountingpositions are discussed and illustrated herein, this is done forexplanatory purposes only. The lever arm 735 may include any number ofmounting positions including one, two or more.

The multiple mounting positions are formed in the lever arm 735 of FIGS.27-29 in a mounting bracket. In FIG. 30, three are shown, and asdepicted in FIG. 31, the lever arm 735 may have four mounting positions.In FIG. 31, the top mounting position 31 a may allow the furrow openerdisc 705 to run approximately a half inch deep into the soil withrespect to the field surface. Further, the middle mounting position 31 bmay allow the furrow opener disc 705 to run approximately one inch deepin the soil with respect to the field surface and the mounting position31 d may allow the furrow opener disc 705 to run approximately one and ahalf inches deep in the soil with respect to the field surface. Also,the bottom mounting position 31 c may allow the furrow opener disc 705to run approximately two inches deep in the soil with respect to thefield surface. These one half inch increments are variable depending onthe depth desired for the fertilizer furrow. By running the furrowopener disc 705 deeper in the soil, the fertilizer also may be depositeddeeper into the soil.

Similar to FIG. 27, in FIGS. 28 and 29, the furrow opener disc 705 maybe pivotally coupled to the back or trailing end 770 of the lever arm735. In FIGS. 28 and 29, the furrow closer wheel 715 may also bepivotally coupled to the front or leading end 745 of the lever arm 735.As depicted in FIG. 28, the furrow closer wheel 715 may be mounted inthe mounting position 31 d and in FIG. 29; the furrow closer wheel 715may be mounted in the mounting position 31 a on the lever arm 735.Furthermore, the fertilizer deposit tube bracket 730 may be locatedtoward the back or trailing end 770 of the lever arm 735 and thefertilizer tube 765 may extend downwardly from the fertilizer deposittube 730, as mentioned above.

On occasion, the planter 200 may traverse obstructions in the field.Such obstructions may occur in no-till farming and also may includeobstructions such as debris, clods and so on. By locating the furrowopener disc 705 toward the back or trailing end 770 of the lever arm735, as the planter 200 traverses the field and encounters obstructions,the amount of build up on the furrow opener disc 705 may be minimized.Less build up may occur on the furrow opener disc 705 because as thefurrow opener disc 705 is pulled over obstructions, it may upwardlyrotate about the pivot. The furrow opener disc 305 will also not likelyburrow down into the soil when an obstacle is encountered. Since it isbeing pulled, and not pushed, the disc 705 should move over the obstaclemore easily.

As indicated in FIGS. 32-34, the planter 200 approaches an obstruction795, the gage wheel 765 may pivot upwardly in the direction indicated byarrow W via its lever arm 783 and relative to the lever arm pivot pin784 to clear the obstruction 795. FIGS. 32-34 depict a similar exampleas previously discussed FIGS. 4-6. Thus, the progression of the furrowcloser wheel 715 and the furrow opener disc 705 of FIGS. 32-34 is alsosimilar to the previous discussion of FIGS. 4-6.

Similar to FIG. 5, the planter 200 of FIG. 33 continues in the directionof arrow F and furrow closer wheel 715 eventually encounters theobstruction 795. As the furrow closer wheel 715 travels over theobstruction 795, the planter 200 may move upwardly in two ways. First,the trailing arm frame 720 may rotate upwardly about the pivot pin 785,thus causing the entire lever arm 735, including the lever arm centerpivot pin 740, to also move upwardly in the Z direction. Second, thefurrow closer wheel 715 and the furrow opener disc 705 may rotate aboutthe center pivot pin 740.

Further to the second way, the furrow closer wheel 715 and the front orleading end 745 of the lever arm 735 on which the furrow closer wheel715 is mounted are caused to rotate upwardly about the lever arm centerpivot pin 740, as indicated by arrow X. The resulting clockwise pivot ofthe furrow closer wheel 715 about the lever arm center pivot pin 740causes the furrow opener disc 705 and back or trailing end 770 of thelever arm 735 to clockwise pivot about the center pivot pin 740. Thus,the furrow opener disc 705 presses harder against the field surface 700as indicated by arrow Y and possibly forming a deeper fertilizer furrow.The downward pressure of the furrow opener disc 705 coupled with thefurrow closer wheel 715 clearing the obstruction 795 causes an upwardforce on the lever arm center pivot pin 740, which causes the pin 740and the trailing arm frame 720 to rotate upwardly, as indicated by arrowZ, about the pivot pin 785 attaching the trailing arm frame 720 to theplanter frame 749. Due to the trailing arm frame 720 rotating upwardlyas indicated by arrow Z, the closer wheel 710 also raises upwardly as ittravels with the trailing arm frame 720. Once the furrow closer wheel715 clears the obstruction 795, the trailing arm frame 720 and lever arm735 return to normal operation as indicated in FIG. 27. However, due tothe downward rotation of the furrow closer wheel 715 and the front orleading end 745 of the lever arm 735, the furrow opener disc 705 maystill create a furrow 790 despite the trailing arm frame 720 movingupwardly as indicated by Z.

As illustrated in FIG. 34 (and similar to FIG. 6), as the planter 200continues in the direction of arrow F, the furrow opener disc 705eventually encounters the obstruction 795. In doing so, the furrowopener disc 705 and the back or trailing end 770 of the lever arm 735 onwhich the furrow opener disc 705 is mounted may be caused to rotateupwardly about the lever arm center pivot pin 740, as indicated by arrowY′. The resulting counter clockwise pivot of the furrow opener disc 705about the lever arm center pivot pin 740 causes the furrow closer wheel715 and leading end 745 of the lever arm 735 to counter clockwise pivotabout the center pivot pin 740. Thus, the furrow closer wheel 715presses harder against the field surface 700 as indicated by arrow X′.The downward pressure of the furrow closer wheel 715 coupled with thefurrow opener disc 705 clearing the obstruction 295 causes an upwardforce on the lever arm center pivot pin 740, which causes the pin 740and the trailing arm frame 720 to rotate upwardly, as indicated by arrowZ′, about the pivot pin 785 attaching the trailing arm frame 720 to theplanter frame 749.

Due to the trailing arm frame 720 rotating upwardly as indicated byarrow Z′ about the pivot pin 785, the furrow closer wheel 710 alsoraises upwardly as it travels with the trailing arm frame 720. Due tothe lever arm 735 moving upwardly with its pivot pin 740, the bracket760 moves along with the lever arm 735, which causes the flexible tubing765 of the fertilizer deposit tube 730 to move upwardly. Once the furrowopener disc 705 clears the obstruction 795, the trailing arm frame 720and lever arm 735 return to normal operation as indicated in FIG. 27. Inclearing the obstacle, the opener disc 705 may or may not disengage fromthe soil. Since it is being pulled, and not pushed, it is less likely toburrow down into the soil.

As can be understood from FIGS. 32-34, where the leading end length ofthe lever arm 735 (as measured between the pivots 740, 750) is generallyshorter than the trailing end length of the lever arm 735 (as measuredbetween the pivots 740, 775), the displacement of the furrow opener disc705 relative to the trailing arm assembly 270 in an upward directioncauses a generally smaller displacement of the furrow closer wheel 715relative to the trailing arm assembly 270 in a downward direction. Forexample, the furrow opener disc 705 may move upwardly three inches whenthe furrow closer wheel 715 moves downwardly two inches. Thus, the leverarm arrangement provides a mechanical disadvantage such that an upwardforce on the furrow opener disc 705 creates a greater downward force onthe furrow closer wheel 715 to force the furrow closer wheel 715 intohard soil.

In one embodiment, the ratio of the leading end length of the lever arm735 relative to the shorter trailing end length of the lever arm 735 isapproximately seven to approximately five. In another embodiment, theratio of the leading end length of the lever arm 735 relative to theshorter trailing end length of the lever arm 735 is approximately fiveto approximately three. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 31, thefirst segment and the second segment of lever arm 735 may form an anglesuch that the furrow opener disc 705 may be positioned relatively lowerthan the closer wheel with respect to the field surface to form afertilizer furrow 790 in the soil. The lesser the angle “L” of FIG. 31,between the first segment and the second segment of the lever arm 735,the lower the furrow opener disc 705 may be positioned with respect tothe furrow closer wheel 715. Moreover, the furrow opener disc 705 mayleave a deeper fertilizer furrow 790 as the angle between the first andsecond segment of the lever arm 735 decreases.

Where the leading end and trailing end lengths of the lever arm 735 arenot equal, the displacement of the furrow opener disc 705 relative tothe trailing arm assembly 270 in an upward direction causes a generallyproportional displacement of the furrow closer wheel 715 relative to thetrailing arm assembly 270 in a downward direction. In other words, thedisplacement distances will not be equal to each other, but they will beproportionally related to each other based on the proportionalrelationship of the respective lengths of the leading and trailing endlengths.

In still a further embodiment of the present disclosure, as depicted inFIGS. 35-41B, a pivotable arm bracket 835 may be provided in place ofthe lever arm 335, 735 as described above. The pivotable arm bracket835, as set forth in greater detail below, may serve to coordinate therelative movements of both furrow closer wheels and the fertilizerfurrow opener disc, as compared to the previously described lever arm335, 735, which only coordinates the relative movement between a singlefurrow closer wheel and the fertilizer furrow opener disc (the secondfurrow closer wheel being independent therefrom). This “three-way”coordination may be accomplished by the pivotable arm bracket 835, whichhas three arms extending from a middle portion, as compared to the twoarms of the lever 335, 735 extending from the middle portion 340, 740 inthe embodiments described above. FIG. 35 shows the arm bracket 835, andFIGS. 39A and 39B show the arm bracket 835 in use in a trailing armassembly 270.

It may be beneficial to have the relative movement of both furrow closerwheels coordinated with one another, along with the movement of thefertilizer furrow opener disc. In particular, such coordination mayresult in the furrow closer wheels maintaining constant and uniformpressure, and/or equal amounts of pressure, on both sides of the seedfurrow. With constant or even pressure on both furrow closing wheels, afarmer can go from no-till, firm ground to sandy or conventionallytilled ground in the same field without adjusting to the downwardpressure settings. Thus, the step of resetting downward pressures indifferent soil types (using the adjustment lever 376 as described abovewith regard to FIG. 11) may be substantially reduced, making for a moreefficient, expeditious overall planting process.

With reference now to FIGS. 35 and 36 in particular, the pivotable armbracket 835 may include three arm portions extending from a central hubor middle portion 840. Specifically, extending from the middle portion840 may be a first furrow closer wheel arm 836, a furrow opener disc arm837, and a second furrow closer wheel arm 838. The first furrow closerwheel arm 836 may be configured to pivotably receive a furrow closerwheel at a mounting end 845 thereof, using a pivot pin 850. The firstfurrow closer wheel arm 836 may be connected to the middle portion 840at an end opposite the mounting end 845. The furrow opener disc arm 837may be configured to pivotably receive a furrow opener disc at amounting end 870 thereof, using a pivot pin inserted in one of several(three shown in FIG. 35) mounting positions 41 a-41 c. The first furrowcloser wheel arm 837 may be connected to the middle portion 840 at anend opposite the mounting end 870. The second furrow closer wheel arm838 may be configured to pivotably receive a furrow closer wheel at amounting end 846 thereof, using a pivot pin 851. The second furrowcloser wheel arm 838 may be connected to the middle portion 840 at anend opposite the mounting end 846.

In general, arms 836, 837, 838 may be rectangular in shape, with thelength dimension being substantially longer than either the width orheight dimensions. Of course, other shapes are possible, such ascylindrical, polygonal, etc. The arms 836, 837, 838 may be substantiallyuniform (straight) along their length, or they may be slightlyirregular, with various bends or curves, as shown in FIG. 35. Theoverall shape of arms 836, 837, 838 need not be consistent with oneanother. The arms 836, 837, 838 may be rigidly affixed, connected, orsecured to the middle portion. That is, for example, the arms 836, 837,838 may be welded to the middle portion, or the arms 836, 837, 838 maybe molded therewith to form a single piece. As such, the motion of onearm relative to the middle portion may cause corresponding motion ineach of the other arms. Other rigid type connections may also beprovided.

The middle portion 840 may be provided as a cylinder with a hollow bore844 extending therethrough. In other embodiments, the middle portion 840may be provided in other shapes, for example, rectangular, polygonal,etc. The hollow bore 844 may be adapted to receive a pivot sleeve 841that allows the middle portion 840 (and consequently the entire armbracket 835) to be pivotably connected with the trailing arm frame 320,in the manner discussed above with regard to the connection between thelever arm 335, 725 and the trailing arm frame 320. The middle portion840 may be securely and pivotably connected to the trailing arm frame bymeans of a bolt 842 extending through the pivot sleeve 841, the bolt 842secured in place by a nut 843. Other pivotable fastening mechanisms ordevices may also be used.

With reference to FIG. 35, the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 may beprovided on a generally opposite side of the middle portion 840 from thefertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 and the second furrow closer wheelarm 838. However, the geometric relationship between the first furrowcloser wheel arm and the other two arms 837, 838 may or may not belinear. The fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 and the second furrowcloser wheel arm 838 may be parallel to one another or an angularrelationship may be provided. For example, an angle L1 may define theangle between the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 and the fertilizerfurrow opener disc arm 837, and an angle L2 may define the angle betweenthe first furrow closer wheel arm 836 and the second furrow closer wheelarm 838. Angles L1, L2, for example, may range from 150 degrees to 210degrees, 160 to 200 degrees, 160 to 180 degrees, or 170 to 180 degrees.Other angles may also be used and may be selected to provide suitablerelationships between the furrow closer wheels and the furrow openerdisc. Thus, the angle between the fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837and the second furrow closer wheel arm 838 may be approximately 360degrees minus the sum of L1 and L2. Such angle, for example, may be 5,10, 15, 20 degrees, etc.

Mounting ends 845, 846 may be tilted at an angle (L3, L4, respectively)offset from vertical (a reference vertical axis for angles L3, L4 isshown in FIG. 35), as described above with regard to the level arm 335,735. Such angles L3, L4 (which need not be the same for both mountingends 845, 846) may be 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 degrees, or any angletherebetween, etc. The angles need not be in increments of 5 and may belarger or smaller than the angles provided. Any suitable angle may beselected. The angle L3, L4 at which the mounting ends 845, 846 areoffset from vertical causes the furrow closer wheels, when mountedthereto, to be offset from vertical to a respective like degree (seeFIGS. 40A-40B, for example). The mounting end 870 of the furrow disc armis typically vertical or close to vertical to allow the fertilizerfurrow opener disc to furrow straight down into the field. Of course,variations are possible where the mounting end 870 may be angled as withends 845, 846.

FIGS. 38A and 38B show the arm bracket 835 pivotably connected to thetrailing arm frame 320. An arm bracket connection portion 341 of thetrailing arm frame 320 may extend downwardly from the body of the frame320 to meet with the middle portion 840 (not visible) of the arm bracket835. The connection portion 341 may have two identical sides 341 a, 341b (only one side being visible in each FIGS. 38A and 38B), with thedistance therebetween being substantially equal to the width of themiddle portion 840, such that the middle portion 840 may be insertedsecurely and snugly between the connection portion sides 341 a, 341 b.The bolt 842 and nut 843 assembly may be inserted through the hollowbore 844 (and pivot sleeve 841 positioned therein) and through bothsides 341 a, 341 b of the connection portion, thereby securely andpivotably connecting the arm bracket 835 to the trailing arm frame 320.Other fastening mechanisms or devices may also be used to secure the armbracket 835 to the trailing arm frame 320.

A particular feature of the arm bracket 835 is that it can be connectedto the trailing arm frame 320 in two orientations, In a firstorientation, the fertilizer furrow opener arm 837 is in a forwardposition (FIG. 38A, arrow F indicating the forward movement of theplanter 200). In a second orientation, the fertilizer furrow opener arm837 is in a rearward position (FIG. 38B). The two orientations may bemade possible, in part, by the cylinder of the middle portion 840 beingmade identical on both sides—that is, the arm bracket 835 described maybe connected to the trailing arm frame 320 so that either side of themiddle portion 840 is adjacent to either side 341 a, 341 b of theconnection portion 341. FIGS. 38A and 38B show each of theseorientations. To switch from one orientation to another, the farmer orother user may simply remove the bolt 842 and nut 843 assembly from themiddle portion 840 and sides 341 a, 341 b, rotate the arm bracket 180degrees about its vertical axis (axis A shown in FIG. 35), and thenre-insert the bolt 842 and nut 843 assembly.

FIGS. 39A and 39B (in isometric views), FIGS. 40A and 40B (in front anrear views), and FIGS. 41A and 41B (in right and left side views)illustrate the two orientations of FIGS. 38A, 38B, but with a fullyassembled trailing arm assembly 270, which also includes a first furrowcloser wheel 815, a second furrow closer wheel 810, and a fertilizerfurrow opener disc 805. The wheels 815, 810 are shown pivotablyconnected to their respective arm 836, 838, at mounting ends 845, 846.The orientation of FIG. 38A, with the fertilizer furrow opener arm 837in the forward position, results, when the trailing arm assembly 270 isfully assembled (FIGS. 39A, 40A, and 41A), in an “out-the-front”fertilizer placement, as disclosed in FIGS. 3-8, 11-19, and 24-26,above. Conversely, the orientation of FIG. 38B, with the fertilizerfurrow opener arm 837 in the rearward position, when the trailing armassembly 270 is fully assembled (FIGS. 39B, 40B, and 41B), will resultin an “out-the-back” fertilizer placement, as disclosed in FIGS. 27-29and 32-34, above. Thus, a single pivotable arm bracket 835 is capable ofbeing used in two fertilizing orientations.

Out-the-back fertilizer orientations may generally be used for softersoil conditions, and out-the-front fertilizer orientations may workbetter in firmer soil conditions. Furthermore, under some conditions, itis occasionally encountered that the fertilizer furrow opener disc doesnot seal as well in an out-the-back orientation as it does in anout-the-front configuration. Thus, in general, different soil types,moisture conditions, and so on in different fields can make for betterplacement of fertilizer either out-the-back or out-the-front, dependingon what types of soil or planting conditions are present. Arm bracket835 may allow a farmer or other user to employ a single component on theplanter 200, with the ability to easily change orientations (e.g., byrotating the arm bracket 835) as soil conditions dictate.

With reference now to the operation of a planter configured with the armbracket 835, as shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B, the planter may occasionallyencounter a rock or other field impediment 295 during normal operation.In an out-the-front fertilizing configuration, as shown in FIG. 41A, thesecond furrow closer wheel 810, the fertilizer furrow opener disc 805,or both may first encounter the impediment 295 as the planter 200 movesin a forward direction, indicated by arrow F. The impediment may causeboth the wheel 810 and the disc 805 to rotate counterclockwise upwardly(resulting in softer contact with the field surface), as indicated byarrows B and C, with rotation occurring about the pivot point at middleportion 840. Since the wheel 810 and disc 805 are both “tied” to oneanother because of their mutual connection to middle portion 840, evenif only one of either the wheel 810 or the disc 805 hits the impediment295, both may be caused to rotate. At the same time, because of theupward counterclockwise rotation of wheel 810 and disc 805, the secondfurrow closer wheel 815 may be caused to rotate counterclockwisedownwardly (resulting in harder contact with the field surface), alsoabout the pivot point at middle portion 840 and as indicated by arrow A,by its connection to middle portion 840.

In contrast, in an out-the-back fertilizing configuration, as shown inFIG. 42B, first furrow closer wheel 815 may first encounter theimpediment 295 as the planter 200 moves in the forward direction,indicated by arrow F. The impediment 295 may cause the wheel 815 torotate counterclockwise upwardly (resulting in softer contact with thefield surface), as indicated by arrow A, with rotation occurring aboutthe pivot point at middle portion 840. At the same time, because of theupward counterclockwise rotation of wheel 815, the second furrow closerwheel 810 and fertilizer furrow opener disc 805 may be caused to rotatecounterclockwise downwardly (resulting in harder contact with the fieldsurface), also about the pivot point at middle portion 840 and asindicated by arrows B and C, because of their mutual connection tomiddle portion 840.

As the planter continues over the impediment 295, the arm bracket 835will be caused to rotate or pivot in the same manner as described abovewith regard to FIGS. 5-6 (for the out-the-front fertilizerconfiguration) and FIGS. 33-34 (for the out-the-back fertilizerconfiguration), except, however, that as the second furrow closer wheel810 is also connected to the middle portion 840 of the arm bracket 835,and therefore is effectively tied to the movements of the first furrowcloser wheel 815 and the fertilizer furrow opener disc 805, the wheel810 will move in the same manner as disc 805, to which it is adjacent(i.e., on the same side of the middle portion 840). In contrast, inFIGS. 5-6 and FIGS. 33-34, the wheel 310, 710 is not caused to rotateabout the middle portion 840 pivot point when the wheel 315, 715 and thedisc 305, 705 of the lever arm 335, 735 rotate and pivot as a result ofencountering the impediment 295. In those embodiments, the wheel 310,710 is independent of the lever arm 335, 735 (and in fact is connectedto the trailing arm frame 320 at the pivot point), whereas in thepresent embodiment, the wheel 810 is “tied” to the wheel 815 and disc805 because of their mutual connection to the middle portion 840.

FIGS. 42-45 show various views of the arm bracket 835. With reference toFIG. 42, the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 and the second furrowcloser wheel arm 838 may be located at substantially the same elevationwith each having central longitudinal axes that are contained with acommon horizontal plane. The fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 mayhave a central longitudinal axis that is contained within a plane thatdefines an acute angle with the horizontal plane containing the centrallongitudinal axes of the first and second furrow closer wheel arms 836,838. In some embodiments, the angle may be approximately eight degrees.However, any angle may be defined by these two planes. In other words,the fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 may extend downward from themiddle portion 840 of the arm bracket 835 at a predefined slope relativeto the first furrow closer wheel arm 836. This downward relative slopecauses a lower edge of the fertilizer furrow disc arm 837 to be at alower elevation than a lower edge of the first furrow closer wheel arm838 along at least a portion of the lower edge of the fertilizer furrowdisc arm 837.

Turning to FIGS. 43 and 44, the mounting end 846 of the second furrowcloser wheel arm 838 may be joined to the second furrow closer wheel arm838 proximate a lower portion of the mounting end 846. From thisconnection location, the mounting end 846 may extend away from thesecond furrow closer wheel arm 838 at an angle, L4, as described in moredetail above. As viewed along a longitudinal axis of the second furrowcloser wheel arm 838, a lower corner of the mounting end 846 may besubstantially flush with a lower corner of the second furrow closerwheel arm 838. The pivot pin 851 may be sized so that at least a portionof the pivot pin 851 is received within a hole defined by the mountingend 846. Further, in some embodiments, an outer diameter of the pivotpin 851 may be approximately the same as the diameter of the holedefined by the mounting end 846. The configuration of the pivot pin 850,the mounting end 845, and the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 may besimilar to the configuration of the pivot 851, the mounting end 846, andthe second furrow closer wheel arm 838.

With reference to FIG. 45, the mounting end 870 of the fertilizer furrowopener disc arm 837 may include a plate or the like that is joined tothe fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837. A pair of flanges may extendfrom the plate. Each flange may be positioned proximate an edge of theplate and may extend along the length of the plate from top end of theplate to a bottom end of the plate. The flanges may be positioned on thesame side of the plate.

FIGS. 46-49 show various views of an example of the first furrow closerwheel arm 836 for the arm bracket 835. The second furrow closer wheelarm 838 may be generally similar to the first furrow closer wheel arm836, and thus is neither pictured nor described since the illustrationsof the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 in FIGS. 46-49 and thefollowing description of it are generally applicable to the secondfurrow closer wheel arm 838. With reference to FIGS. 46-49, the firstfurrow closer wheel arm 836 may generally include a first end portion1800, a second end portion 1802 that is distal from the first endportion 1800, and a central portion 1804 that joins the first endportion 1800 to the second end portion 1802. The first end, second end,and central portions 1800, 1802, 1804 of the first furrow closer wheelarm 836 may be generally plate-like bodies. The first end, second end,and central portions 1800, 1802, 1804 of the first furrow closer wheelarm 836 may be formed form separate pieces of material that are suitablyjoined together, or may be formed from a single piece of material thatis suitably cast, cut, or otherwise reshaped to define each of thesethree portions.

As viewed in a top or bottom plan view, a longitudinal axis of thesecond end portion 1802 of first furrow closer wheel arm 836 may belaterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the first end portion 1800of the first furrow closer wheel arm 836. Such an offset may be utilizedto join the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 to a middle portion 840 ofthe arm bracket 835 that has a length that is less than the desiredoffset of the furrow closer wheel from a mid-point of the middle portion840 as located along a longitudinal axis of the middle portion 840.However, in some embodiments, the middle portion 840 of the arm bracket835 may be sufficiently long that no offset of the longitudinal axis ofthe second portion 1802 of the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 fromthe first portion 1800 of the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 isrequired. When the first end portion 1800 of the first furrow closerwheel arm 836 is offset from the second end portion 1802 of the firstfurrow closer wheel arm 836, a longitudinal axis of the central portion1804 may define predetermined angles with the longitudinal axes of thefirst and second end portions 1800, 1802.

The first end portion 1800 of the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 maybe configured for attachment to the middle portion 840 of the armbracket 835. In particular, the first end portion 1800 may include acurved or otherwise suitably shaped edge 1806 that matches at least aportion of an exterior perimeter of the middle portion 840. Thissuitably shaped edge 1806 of the first end portion 1800 may generallycontact and abut the corresponding portion of the exterior perimeter ofthe middle portion 840.

The second end portion 1802 of the first furrow closer wheel arm 836 mayinclude a stepped region where the height of the second end portion 1802is significantly reduced. Beyond this stepped region, in a directionaway from the first end portion 1800 of the first furrow closer wheelarm 836, the second end portion 1802 may include a flange-like element1808 that cantilevers from a main body 1810 of the second end portion1802. This flange-like element 1808 may be sized to facilitate joiningthe mounting end 845 for the first furrow wheel to the first furrowcloser wheel arm 836 at a desired angle, L3, relative to a verticalplane defined by the first furrow closer wheel arm 836.

FIGS. 50-52 show various views of an example of the mounting end 845 forfirst furrow closer wheel. The mounting end 846 for the second furrowcloser wheel may be generally similar to the mounting end 845 for thefirst furrow closer wheel, and thus is neither pictured nor describedsince the illustrations of the mounting end 845 for first furrow closerwheel in FIGS. 50-52 and the following description of it are generallyapplicable to the mounting end 846 for second furrow closer wheel.Turning to FIGS. 50-52, the mounting end 845 for the first furrow closerwheel may be a generally rectangular shaped plate member 1812 with uppercorner portions removed to define a generally curved upper edge 1814.The mounting end 845 may further include a pivot pin hole 1816 definedby the plate member 1812. The pivot pin hole 1816 may be positionedwithin an upper portion of the plate member 1812, may be sized toreceive a pivot pin therein, and may be circular or otherwise suitablyshaped for receiving the pivot pin therein. In some embodiments, themounting end 845 for the first furrow closer wheel may have thefollowing dimensions: a height of approximately 3 inches, a width ofapproximately 1.5 inches, a thickness of approximately ⅜ of an inch, andpivot pin hole diameter of approximately 1″. The foregoing dimensionsare merely illustrative of some potential dimensions for the mountingend 845 for the first furrow wheel closer. Accordingly, the mounting end845 for the first furrow wheel closer may be sized using any suitabledimensions for the height, width, thickness, and hole diameter of it.

FIGS. 53-55 show various views of an example of the pivot pin 850 forfirst furrow closer wheel. The pivot pin 851 for the second furrowcloser wheel may be generally similar to the pivot pin 850 for the firstfurrow closer wheel, and thus is neither pictured nor described sincethe illustrations of the pivot pin 850 for first furrow closer wheel inFIGS. 53-55 and the following description of it are generally applicableto the pivot pin 851 for second furrow closer wheel. With reference toFIGS. 53-55, the pivot pin 850 may be a generally cylindrical body 1818that defines a central hole 1820 that extends along a longitudinal axisof the pivot pin 860. The central hole 1820 may be generally circularalong its axial dimension and may be sized to receive an axle or othershaft for the first furrow closer wheel. A pair of pin holes 1822 mayfurther be defined in the pivot pin's cylindrical body 1818. The pinholes 1822 may be generally circular along an axial dimension, may beco-axially aligned on opposite sides of the cylindrical body 1818, andmay have axial axes that are generally transverse to an axial axis ofthe central hole 1820. The pin holes 1822 may be further configured toreceive a pin, such as a roll pin or the like. The pin may be used tosecure to axle for the first furrow closer wheel to the pivot pin 850for the first furrow closer wheel. In some embodiments, the pivot pin850 may have the following dimensions: an axial dimension ofapproximately 19/20 of an inch, an outer diameter of approximately 1inch, a central hole diameter of approximately ⅝ of an inch, and pinhole diameters of approximately ¼ of an inch. Further, the center of thepin holes 1822 may be positioned approximately halfway along the axialdimension of the pivot pin 850 as measured from an end of the pivot pin850. The foregoing dimensions are merely illustrative of some potentialdimensions for the pivot pin 850 for the first furrow wheel closer.Accordingly, the pivot pin 850 for the first furrow wheel closer may besized using any suitable dimensions for the axial dimension, outerdiameter, central hole diameter, and pin hole diameters and locations.

FIGS. 56-59 show various views of an example of the fertilizer furrowopener disc arm 837 for the arm bracket 835. With reference to FIGS.56-59, the fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 may generally include afirst portion 1824 joined to a second portion. The first and secondportions 1824, 1826 of the fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 may begenerally plate-like bodies. The first and second portions 1824, 1826 ofthe fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 may be formed form separatepieces of material that are suitably joined together, or may be formedfrom a single piece of material that is suitably cast, cut, or otherwisereshaped to define each of these two portions.

As viewed in a top or bottom plan view, a longitudinal axis of thesecond portion 1826 of fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 may definean acute angle with a longitudinal axis of the first portion 1824 of thefertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837. Such angling of the secondportion 1826 to the first portion 1824 may be utilized to laterallyoffset the mounting end 870 of the fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837from an end of the middle portion 840 when the middle portion 840 has alength that is less than the desired offset of the fertilizer furrowopener disc from a mid-point of the middle portion 840 as located alonga longitudinal axis of the middle portion 840. However, in someembodiments, the middle portion 840 of the arm bracket 835 may besufficiently long that no offset of an end of second portion 1826 of thefertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 from the end of first portion 1824of the fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 that is joined to themiddle portion 840 is required.

The first portion 1824 of the fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 837 maybe configured for attachment to the middle portion 840 of the armbracket 835. In particular, the first portion 1824 may include a curvedor otherwise suitably shaped edge 1828 that matches at least a portionof an exterior perimeter of the middle portion 840. This suitably shapededge 1828 of the first portion 1824 may generally contact and abut thecorresponding portion of the exterior perimeter of the middle portion840.

FIGS. 60-62 show various views of an example of the mounting end 870 forfertilizer furrow disc opener. With reference to FIGS. 60-62, themounting end 870 for the fertilizer furrow disc opener may be agenerally rectangular shaped plate member 1830. The mounting end 845 mayfurther include one or more fertilizer disc holes 1832 defined by theplate member 1830. Three fertilizer disc holes 1832 are defined by theplate member 1830. However, more or less than fertilizer disc holes 1832may be defined. Generally, more fertilizer disc holes 1832 provide for agreater range of potential furrow depths that can be created in the soilby the fertilizer furrow disc opener. Each fertilizer disc hole 1832 maybe sized to receive a fastener, such as a bolt or the like, therein, andmay be circular or otherwise suitably shaped for receiving the fastenertherein. In some embodiments, the mounting end 870 for the fertilizerfurrow disc opener may have the following dimensions: a height ofapproximately 3 inches, a width of approximately 1.5 inches, a thicknessof approximately ⅜ of an inch, and fertilizer disc hole diameters ofapproximately ⅝ of an inch. The foregoing dimensions are merelyillustrative of some potential dimensions for the mounting end 870 forthe fertilizer furrow disc opener. Accordingly, the mounting end 870 forthe fertilizer furrow disc opener may be sized using any suitabledimensions for the height, width, thickness, and hole diameters of it.

FIGS. 63-65 depict various views of one of the flanges 1834 of themounting end 870 for the fertilizer furrow disc opener. Each flange 1834may be a generally rectangular prism bar or any other suitable shapedbar. Generally, each flange 1834 may be elongated or otherwise have alength dimension that is relatively sufficiently greater than its widthor thickness dimensions. In some embodiments, each flange may have thefollowing dimensions: a height of approximately 3 inches, a width ofapproximately ¼ of an inch, a thickness of approximately ¼ of an inch.The foregoing dimensions are merely illustrative of some potentialdimensions for each flange. Accordingly, each flange may be sized usingany suitable dimensions for the height, width, and thickness of it.

The arm bracket 835 may include any of the additional components of theplanter as described above with regard to the previous embodiments(e.g., with regard to the lever arm 335, 735). For example, the armbracket 835 may include a fertilizer tube in any of the configurationsdescribed in FIGS. 20-23, etc., and positioned with respect to thefertilizer furrow opener disc 805 as shown in FIGS. 3-8 or FIGS. 27-34,etc.

Another embodiment of an arm bracket 935 is shown in FIGS. 66-68. Inthis embodiment, a smooth closing wheel 910 and a toothed or cleatedclosing wheel 915 are shown together with a fertilizer furrow formingdisc 905. The bracket 935 also includes an adjustable bracket 960 andsleeve 962 for support and positioning of a fertilizer tube forplacement of fertilizer in the furrow following the forming disc 905.Other devices such as liquid tubes, fertilizer furrow closing devices,or other devices may also be supported and positioned with the bracket960 and sleeve 962. The bracket 935 may also include a scraper 964 forclearing mud or debris from the opener disc 905.

The adjustable bracket 960 and sleeve 962 may pivot relative to the axisof the forming disc 905. That is, as shown in FIG. 69, an out-the-backarrangement is shown and the adjustable bracket 960 is arranged atapproximately 2 o'clock with respect to the forming disc 905. In thisposition, a fertilizer tube, for example may be positioned in the sleeve962 allowing fertilizer to be deposited behind the traveling formingdisc 905 and in line with the fertilizer furrow allowing fertilizer tobe deposited thereon. As shown in dashed lines, the adjustable bracket960 and sleeve 962 may be pivoted about the axis of the forming disc 905for an out-the-front arrangement of the arm bracket 935. That is, if thebracket 935 was turned around for an out-the-front arrangement, the 2o'clock position shown would cause the sleeve 962 to be located in thefront of the forming disc 905. The adjustable bracket 960 may thus berotated about the forming disc axis to the 10 o'clock position therebypositioning the sleeve 962 behind the forming disc 905.

The adjustable bracket 960 may include a lock or series of locksallowing the bracket 960 to be locked into position in one of the twopositions shown or in other positions. For example, a lock in the formof a spring loaded pin adapted to engage holes or slots in the armbracket 935 or hub of the forming disc 905 may be provided. Otherlocking mechanisms may also be provided.

In this embodiment and other embodiments, the seed furrow closing wheelsmay be smooth, cleated, toothed, or otherwise adapted to close the seedfurrow. Any of these wheels may be used and any combination of thesewheels may be used and may be selected to suitably close the seedfurrow. The selection may be based on the soil type encountered by theseed planting unit.

FIGS. 70-76 show various views of the pivotable arm bracket 835 joinedto another version of a trailing arm frame. The pivotable arm bracket835 may be substantially similar to the pivotable arm bracket 835 shownin FIGS. 35-65. With reference to FIG. 75, the arm bracket 835 mayfurther include an adjustable bracket 960 and sleeve 962 that aresubstantially similar to the adjustable bracket 960 and sleeve 962 thatare described in more detail above with reference to FIGS. 66-69. Withreference to FIGS. 70-74, the trailing arm frame 1900 may also besubstantially similar to the trailing arm frame 320 shown in FIGS.38A-41B. However, the trailing arm frame 1900 may differ from the othertrailing arm frame 320 in that mounting plates 1902 may be utilized tojoin the pivotable arm bracket 835 to the trailing arm frame 1900.Additionally, the slotted hole design for the adjustment lever, which isdescribed in more detail above with reference to FIGS. 2, 7, 8 and 11may differ slightly from the slotted hole design of the trailing armframe 320 shown in FIGS. 38A-41B.

With reference to FIG. 76, each mounting plate 1902 may be generallytriangular in shape. However, any desired shape may be used for themounting plates 1902. Each mounting plate 1902 may further include apair of trailing arm connection holes 1904 positioned in an upperportion of the each mounting plate 1902 and an arm bracket connectionhole 1906 positioned in a lower portion of each mounting plate 1902. Thetrailing arm connection holes 1904 for each mounting plate 1902 may begenerally circular or otherwise suitably shaped, may be configured toco-axially align with similar holes formed on the trailing arm frame1900, and may be further configured to receive fasteners therethroughthat are also received through the holes on the trailing arm frame 1900in order to join each mounting plate 1902 to the trailing arm frame1900. The arm connection hole 1906 for each mounting plate 1902 may begenerally circular or otherwise suitably shaped, may be configured toco-axially align with the hollow bore 844 defined by the middle portion840 of the arm bracket 835, and may be further configured to receive afastener 1908 therethrough that is also received through the hollow bore844 in the middle portion 840 of the arm bracket 835 in order to joineach mounting plate 1902 to the arm bracket 835.

In yet another embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 77-81, a pivotable armbracket 1035 may be provided in place of the lever arm 335, 735 and thepivotable arm brackets 835, 935 as described above. The pivotable armbracket 1035 may serve to coordinate the relative movements of bothfurrow closer wheels and two fertilizer furrow opener discs, as comparedto the previously described lever arm 335, 735, which only coordinatesthe relative movement between a single furrow closer wheel and a singlefertilizer furrow opener disc (the second furrow closer wheel beingindependent therefrom) or the “three-way” coordination described abovein connection with the pivotable arm bracket 835, which coordinatesrelative movement between two furrow closer wheels and a singlefertilizer furrow opener disc. In this “four-way” coordination of thepivotable arm bracket 1035, the pivotable arm bracket 1035 includes fourarms extending from a middle portion, as compared to the two arms of thelever 335, 735 extending from the middle portion 340, 740 and the threearms of the pivotable arm bracket 835 in the embodiments describedabove. FIG. 77 shows a top plan view of the pivotable arm bracket 1035,FIG. 78 shows a side view of the pivotable arm bracket 1035 and FIGS.79A and 79B shows the pivotable arm bracket 1035 in use in a fullyassembled trailing arm assembly 270.

It may be beneficial to deposit fertilizer on both sides of a furrow.Providing the pivotable arm bracket 1035 with two fertilizer furrowopener discs on opposing sides of the arm bracket 1035 may enable twofertilizer furrows to be opened for even distribution of fertilizer inthe two fertilizer furrows, an additional amount of fertilizer to bedeposited adjacent the seed furrow, or both. In addition, the pivotablearm bracket 1035 may coordinate the relative movement of adjacentlyarranged furrow closer wheels with one another, the movement ofadjacently arranged fertilizer furrow opener discs with one another, orboth. It may also be beneficial to have the relative movement of thefurrow closer wheels and the fertilizer furrow opener discs coordinatedwith one another, which may enable the furrow closer wheels and furrowopener discs to distribute down pressure more equally on both sides ofthe seed furrow and in areas where the fertilizer furrows are opened.Providing the pivotable arm bracket with four arms may facilitateproviding a more equal distribution of down pressure.

With reference now to FIGS. 77 and 78 in particular, the pivotable armbracket 1035 may include four arm portions extending from a central hubor middle portion 1040. In particular, a first furrow closer wheel arm1036, a first furrow opener disc arm 1037, a second furrow closer wheelarm 1038, and a second furrow opener disc arm 1039 may extend from themiddle portion 1040 of the pivotable arm bracket 1035. The first andsecond furrow closer wheel arms 1036, 1038 may each be configured topivotably receive a furrow closer wheel at a mounting end 1045, 1046,respectively thereof, using a pivot pin 1050. The first and secondfurrow opener disc arm 1037, 1039 may each be configured to pivotablyreceive a furrow opener disc at a mounting end 1070, 1071 respectively,using a pivot pin inserted in one of several mounting positions 41 a-41c (three shown in FIG. 78). Each of the arms 1036-1039 may be joined tothe middle portion 1040 at an end opposite their respective the mountingends, e.g., mounting ends 1045, 1046, 1070 and 1071.

In general, the arms 1036-1039 may be sized and shaped in the mannerdescribed above in connection with arms 836-838, and as shown in FIGS.35 and 36. The middle portion 1040 may be sized and shaped in the mannerdescribed above in connection with middle portion 840, as shown in FIGS.37A-37B, as well as the described variations thereof. In addition, themiddle portion 1040 may cooperate with the trailing arm frame 320, inthe manner discussed above with regard to the connection between thelever arm 335, 725 and the trailing arm frame 320. Referring to FIG. 77,the middle portion 1040 may be securely and pivotably connected to thetrailing arm frame by means of a bolt 842 extending through the pivotsleeve 841. The bolt 842 may be secured in place by a nut 843. Otherpivotable fastening mechanisms or devices may also be used.

With reference to FIG. 77, the first and second furrow closer wheel arms1036, 1038 may be provided on a generally opposite side of the middleportion 840 from the first and second fertilizer furrow opener disc arms1037, 1039. For example, the furrow closer wheel arms 1036, 1038 may bearranged at a leading end or a trailing end of the pivotable arm bracket1035, while the fertilizer furrow opener disc arms 1037, 1039 arelocated at the opposite end of the pivotable arm bracket 1035. In someimplementations, the geometric relationship between the first and secondfurrow closer wheel arms 1036, 1038 and the fertilizer furrow openerdisc arms 1037, 1039 may be non-linear. The first fertilizer furrowopener disc arm 1037 and the first furrow closer wheel arm 1036 may begenerally co-linear to one another or an angular relationship may beprovided. For example, an angle L1 may define the angle between thefirst furrow closer wheel arm 1036 and the first fertilizer furrowopener disc arm 1037, and an angle L2 may define the angle between thesecond furrow closer wheel arm 1038 and the second fertilizer furrowopener disc arm 1039. Angles L1, L2, for example, may be the same asshown in FIG. 77 or may differ from one another and may range from 150degrees to 210 degrees, 160 to 200 degrees, 160 to 180 degrees, or 170to 180 degrees. Other angles may also be used and may be selected toprovide suitable relationships between the furrow closer wheels and thefurrow opener discs.

Mounting ends 1045, 1046 may be tilted at an angle in the mannerdescribed above in connection with mounting ends 845 and 846, whilemounting ends 1070, 1071 may be vertical or close to vertical to allowthe fertilizer furrow opener disc to furrow straight down into the fieldor may be angled as with ends 1045, 1046.

FIGS. 79A and 79B show the arm bracket 1035 pivotably connected to thetrailing arm frame 320. An arm bracket connection portion 341 of thetrailing arm frame 320 may extend downwardly from the body of the frame320 to meet with the middle portion 1040 (not visible) of the armbracket 1035. The connection portion 341 may join to the middle portion1040 in the manner described above in connection with middle portion840, and as shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B.

The arm bracket 1035 may be connected to the trailing arm frame 320 intwo orientations. The first orientation places the fertilizer furrowopener arms 1037, 1039 in a forward position (FIG. 79A, arrow Findicating the forward movement of the planter 200), and the secondorientation places the fertilizer furrow opener arms 1037, 1039 in arearward position (FIG. 79B). The two orientations may be made possible,in part, by the cylinder of the middle portion 1040 being identical onboth sides. FIGS. 79A and 79B show each of these orientations. To switchfrom one orientation to another, the bolt 842 and nut 843 assembly maybe disassembled from the middle portion 1040 and sides 341 a, 341 b, thearm bracket 1035 may be rotated by 180 degrees about its vertical axis(axis A shown in FIG. 77), and then the bolt 842 and nut 843 assemblymay be reinserted.

FIGS. 80A and 80B in right and left side views illustrate the twoorientations of a fully assembled trailing arm assembly 270, which alsoincludes a first furrow closer wheel 1015, a second furrow closer wheel1010, a first fertilizer furrow opener disc 1000 and a second fertilizerfurrow opener disc 1005. The closer wheels 1015, 1010 are shownpivotably connected to their respective arm 1036, 1038 (not visible), atmounting ends 1045, 1046, and the fertilizer furrow opener discs 1000,1005 are shown joined to their respective arm 1037, 1039 at mountingends 1070, 1071. When the fertilizer furrow opener arms 1037, 1039 arein the forward position, the trailing arm assembly 270 is fullyassembled in an “out-the-front” fertilizer placement, as described abovewith reference to FIGS. 3-8, 11-19, and 24-26, 38A and 41A. Conversely,when the fertilizer furrow opener arms 1037, 1039 are in the rearwardposition, the trailing arm assembly 270 is fully assembled in an“out-the-back” fertilizer placement, as described above with referenceto FIGS. 27-29 and 32-34, 38B and 41B, above. Thus, similar to the armbracket 835, the single pivotable arm bracket 1035 may be positioned intwo fertilizing orientations. As described above in connection with armbracket 835, the fertilizing orientation of the pivotable arm bracket1035 may be selected based on soil conditions, which may be readilychanged as soil conditions dictate.

With reference now to the operation of a planter configured with the armbracket 1035 shown in FIGS. 80A and 80B, the planter may occasionallyencounter a rock or other field impediment 295 during normal operation.In an out-the-front fertilizing configuration, as shown in FIG. 80A, thefirst or the second fertilizer furrow opener disc 1000, 1005 (or both)may first encounter the impediment 295 as the planter moves in a forwarddirection, indicated by arrow F. The impediment may cause both discs1000, 1005 to rotate counterclockwise upwardly (resulting in softercontact with the field surface), as indicated by arrow B, with rotationoccurring about the pivot point at middle portion 1040. Since the discs1000, 1005 are both “tied” to one another because of their mutualconnection to middle portion 1040, even if only one of the discs 1000,1005 hits the impediment 295, both may be caused to rotatecounterclockwise upwardly. At the same time, because of the upwardcounterclockwise rotation of on or both discs 1000, 1005, the trailingfirst and the second furrow closer wheels 1010, 1015 may be caused torotate counterclockwise downwardly (resulting in harder contact with thefield surface), also about the pivot point at middle portion 1040 and asindicated by arrow A, by virtue of its connection to middle portion1040. Because the furrow closer wheels 1010, 1015 both pivot downwardlyas the leading wheel or disc clears the obstruction, down pressure maybe more evenly distributed between the wheels.

In contrast, in an out-the-back fertilizing configuration, as shown inFIG. 80B, the first or the second furrow closer wheel 1010, 1015 (orboth) may first encounter the impediment 295 as the planter moves in theforward direction, indicated by arrow F. The impediment 295 may causeone or both of the wheels 1010, 1015 to rotate counterclockwise upwardly(resulting in softer contact with the field surface), as indicated byarrow A, with rotation occurring about the pivot point at middle portion1040. At the same time, because of the upward counterclockwise rotationof one or more wheels 1010, 1015, the first and the second fertilizerfurrow opener discs 1000, 1005 may be caused to rotate counterclockwisedownwardly (resulting in harder contact with the field surface), alsoabout the pivot point at middle portion 1040 and as indicated by arrowB, because of their mutual connection to middle portion 1040. Becausethe discs 1000, 1005 both pivot downwardly as the leading wheel orwheels clear the obstruction, down pressure may be more evenlydistributed between the discs.

As the planter continues over the impediment 295, the arm bracket 1035rotates or pivots in the same manner as described above with regard tothe arm bracket 835. The arm bracket 1035 therefore is effectively tiedto the movements of the first and second furrow closer wheels 1010, 1015and the first and second fertilizer furrow opener discs 1000, 1005 aboutthe middle portion 1040 because of their mutual connection to the middleportion 1040.

The arm bracket 1035 may include any of the additional components of theplanter as described above with regard to the previous embodiments(e.g., with regard to the lever arm 335, 735 and the arm brackets 835,935). For example, as shown in FIG. 81, the arm bracket 1035 may includetwo sets of pivotably adjustable brackets 960 and sleeves 962 forsupport and positioning of two fertilizer tubes for distribution offertilizer in the furrows formed by the fertilizer furrow opener discs1000, 1005. The arrangement and operation of the pivotably adjustablebrackets 960 and sleeves 962 are described above in connection with thearm bracket 935 shown in FIG. 67.

In yet another embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 82-84B, a pivotable armbracket 1135 may be provided in place of the lever arm 335, 735 and thepivotable arm brackets 835, 935 and 1035 as described above. Thepivotable arm bracket 1135, as set forth in greater detail below, mayprovide a “four-way” coordination to coordinate the relative movementsof both furrow closer wheels and both fertilizer furrow opener discs byproviding a first furrow closer wheel and a first fertilizer furrowopener disc on one side of the middle portion 1040 and second furrowcloser wheel and a second fertilizer furrow opener disc and a secondside of the middle portion 1040. In contrast, the previously describedpivotable arm bracket 1035 coordinates relative movement between twofurrow closer wheels on one side of the middle portion 1040 and twofertilizer furrow opener discs on the second side of the middle portion1040. FIG. 82 shows a top plan view of the pivotable arm bracket 1135,and FIG. 83 shows the pivotable arm bracket 1135 in an assembledtrailing arm assembly 270. The components of pivotable arm bracket 1135common to the pivotable arm bracket 1035 are labeled with commonreference elements.

In addition to forming two fertilizer furrows on opposing sides of aseed furrow and coordinating the relative movement furrow closer wheelsand fertilizer furrow opener discs with one another by providing an armbracket with four arms, it may be beneficial to have the relativemovement of a first furrow closer wheel and a first fertilizer furrowopener disc coordinated with each other at a leading end, and relativemovement of a second furrow closer wheel and a second fertilizer furrowopener disc coordinated with each other at a trailing end, which mayenable down pressure to be more equally distributed on both sides of theseed furrow and in areas where the two fertilizer furrows are opened.

Pivotable arm bracket 1135 may include arms 1036-1039 that may be sizedand shaped in the manner described above in connection with thepivotable arm bracket 1035 shown in FIG. 77 with the exception that thearrangement of the first furrow closer wheel arm 1036 and the firstfertilizer furrow opener disc arm 1037 extend from one side of themiddle portion 1040, and the second furrow closer wheel arm 1038 and asecond fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 1039 extend from the secondside of the middle portion 1040 of the pivotable arm bracket 1135 in acrisscross fashion. For example, this crisscross arrangement is shown inFIG. 82, in which the first fertilizer furrow opener disc arm 1037 issituated at top left position and the second furrow opener disc arm 1039is situated at a bottom right position, which together may be likened toone diagonal leg of an X- or crisscross-shape. The first furrow closerwheel arm 1036 is situated at a top right position, and the secondfurrow closer wheel arm 1038 is situated at a bottom left position,which together may be likened to a second diagonal leg of an X- orcrisscross-shape, thereby providing a crisscrossing arrangement of thearms 1036-1039 of the pivotable arm bracket 1135. In other respects, thepivotable arm bracket 1135 may be configured similarly to pivotable armbracket 1035, so that, for example, the arms 1036-1039 and the mountingends 1045, 1046, 1070 and 1071 may have a similar configuration andangular arrangement, and the pivotable arm bracket 1135 may join to thetrailing arm frame 320 in the same manner described above in connectionwith arm bracket 1035.

FIG. 83 shows the pivot arm bracket 1135 pivotably connected to thetrailing arm frame 320. Due to the crisscross arrangement of the arms1036-1039 of the pivot arm bracket 1135, the assembly generally includesone orientation in which one fertilizer furrow opener arm 1037, 1039 isarranged in a leading position in front of a furrow closer arm 1036,1038, and the other fertilizer furrow opener arm 1037, 1039 is arrangedin a trailing position behind the other furrow closer arm 1036, 1038. Ofcourse, the arms of the pivot arm bracket 1135 may be configured so thatthe leading fertilizer furrow opener arm 1037, 1039 is situated at afront left position as opposed to a front right position as shown inFIG. 83, while the trailing fertilizer furrow opener arm 1037, 1039 issituated at a back right position as opposed to the back left positionas shown in FIG. 83.

FIGS. 84A and 84B show a fully assembled trailing arm assembly 270,which includes a first furrow closer wheel 1015, a second furrow closerwheel 1010, a first fertilizer furrow opener disc 1000 and a secondfertilizer furrow opener disc 1005 in a crisscrossed arrangement. Thecloser wheels 1015, 1010 are shown pivotably connected to theirrespective arm 1036, 1038, at mounting ends 1045, 1046, arranged onopposite sides of and at opposing ends of the middle portion 1040relative to one another. The fertilizer furrow opener discs 1000, 1005are shown joined to their respective arm 1037, 1039 at mounting ends1070, 1071 that are also arranged on opposite sides of and at opposingends of the middle portion 1040 relative to one another. The orientationof FIGS. 80A and 80B, with one of the fertilizer furrow opener arms1037, 1039 in the forward position, results in one arm having an“out-the-front” fertilizer placement, as described above with referenceto FIGS. 3-8, 11-19, and 24-26, 38A, 41A and 80A, and the secondfertilizer furrow opener arm 1037, 1039 in the rearward position,resulting in an “out-the-back” fertilizer placement, as described abovewith reference to FIGS. 27-29 and 32-34, 38B, 41B and 80B, above.

With reference now to the operation of a planter configured with the armbracket 1135 shown in FIGS. 84A and 84B, the planter may occasionallyencounter a rock or other field impediment 295 during normal operation.For example, as shown in FIG. 80A, the second fertilizer furrow openerdisc 1005 may first encounter the impediment 295 as the planter 200moves in a forward direction, indicated by arrow F. The impediment maycause both the second fertilizer furrow opener disc 1005 and the firstfurrow closer wheel 1010 to rotate counterclockwise upwardly (resultingin softer contact with the field surface), as indicated by arrows B andC, with rotation occurring about the pivot point at middle portion 1040.Since the disc 1005 and the wheel 1010 are both “tied” to one another byvirtue of their mutual connection to middle portion 1040, even if onlyone of the disc 1005 or wheel 1010 hits the impediment 295, both may becaused to rotate upwardly. At the same time, because of the upwardcounterclockwise rotation of one or both of the second fertilizer furrowopener disc 1005 and the first furrow closer wheel 1010, the trailingsecond furrow closer wheel 1015 and the first fertilizer furrow openerdisc 1000 may be caused to rotate counterclockwise downwardly (resultingin harder contact with the field surface), also about the pivot point atmiddle portion 1040 and as indicated by arrows A and D, because of theirconnection to middle portion 1040. Compared to FIG. 84A, the operationof the planter shown in FIG. 84B may result in the second furrow closerwheel 1015 to rotate clockwise upwardly as indicated by arrow A andcause the first fertilizer furrow opener disc 1000 to rotate clockwiseupwardly as indicated by arrow D, which may result in the secondfertilizer furrow opener disc 1005 and the first furrow closer wheel1010 to rotate counterclockwise downwardly by a relatively shorterdistance due to the axle of the second furrow closer wheel 1015 being afurther distance away from the middle portion 1040 as compared to thefirst and second fertilizer furrow opener discs 1000, 1005.

As the planter continues over the impediment 295, the arm bracket 1135rotates or pivots in the same manner as described above with regard tothe arm bracket 1035 and 835. The arm bracket 1135 therefore iseffectively tied to the movements of the first furrow closer wheel 1010adjacent the second fertilizer furrow opener disc 1005, and the secondfurrow closer wheel 1015 adjacent the first furrow opener disc 1000about the middle portion 1040 because of their mutual connection to themiddle portion 1040. In each of FIGS. 84A and 84B, as the leading wheel,disc or both clears the obstruction 295, the two arms at the trailingend may enable the down pressure to be distributed between the discs,the wheels or one of each joined to the bracket 1135 at the trailingend.

The arm bracket 1135 may include any of the additional components of theplanter as described above with regard to the previous embodiments(e.g., with regard to the lever arm 335, 735 and the arm brackets 835,935 and 1035). For example, as shown in FIG. 81, the arm bracket 1135may include two sets of pivotably adjustable brackets 960 and sleeves962 for support and positioning of two fertilizer tubes for distributionof fertilizer in the furrows formed by the fertilizer furrow openerdiscs 1000, 1005. The arrangement and operation of the pivotablyadjustable brackets 960 and sleeves 962 are described above inconnection with arm bracket 935.

For each of arm brackets 1035, 1135, the formation of fertilizer furrowsand the application of fertilizer therein results in fertilization alongboth sides of the seed furrow. This may enable a more even distributionof fertilizer along the sides of the seed furrow. The fertilizer may bedistributed into fertilizer furrows that are two to four inches awayfrom the seed furrow and two to four inches deep. In addition,relatively more fertilizer may be deposited because of the additionallyformed fertilizer furrow. For example, some farmers prefer to apply 60gallons of fertilizer per acre instead of 30 gallons per acre. By usingthe arm brackets 1035, 1135, fertilizer may be deposited at the samerate as if only one fertilizer tube were used (e.g. 30 gallons peracre), but at twice the amount (e.g., 60 gallons per acre), due to thetwo fertilizer tubes extending from sleeves 962 (see, e.g., FIG. 81)that may be joined to fertilizer furrow opener disc arms 1037, 1039.

The arm bracket 1135 having the crisscrossed arrangement, in addition toproviding fertilizer on both sides of the seed furrow, may enable thearm bracket 1135 to operate with a more equal distribution of downpressure due to one fertilizer furrow opener disc and one furrow closerwheel being provided on each side of the arm bracket as compared to thearm bracket 1035 having both discs on one side of the arm bracket andboth wheels on the other side.

The embodiments described above may form fertilizer furrows byfertilizer furrow opener discs (e.g., disc 305, 805, 1000, 1005), whichmay be laterally offset relative to the seed furrow opener disc 260 suchthat the fertilizer furrow 290 (see e.g., FIG. 2) or furrows 290, 291(see, e.g., FIGS. 80A-811 and 84A-84B) are laterally offset from theseed furrow 280 a distance between approximately one-half inch andapproximately four inches. The lateral offset between the seed furrow280 and the fertilizer furrows 290, 291 may assist in reducing thelikelihood that the fertilizer 385 may burn the seed 282. In addition,as provided above, the fertilizer opener discs may be positioned on thearm bracket (e.g., pivotable arm brackets 1035, 1135 at mountingpositions 41 a-41 c) so that the discs form relatively deeper orshallower fertilizer furrows. In some implementations, the depth of thefurrows formed by the fertilizer opener discs (e.g., discs 1000, 1005)may be between approximately one-half inch and approximately fourinches. Depositing fertilizer in fertilizer furrows ranging betweenabout one-half inch to about four inches deep may reduce the likelihoodthat fertilizer 385 may burn the seed 282. In a particular embodiment,the pivotable arm brackets 1035, 1135 may be used to form fertilizerfurrows 290, 291 via the fertilizer furrow opener discs 1000, 1005 sothat each fertilizer furrow 290, 291 is laterally spaced two inches tothe side of the seed furrow 280 and two inches deep. In anotherembodiment, the fertilizer furrow opener discs 1000, 1005 may formfertilizer furrows 290, 291 that are laterally spaced four inches to theside of the seed furrow 280 and four inches deep. Other fertilizerfurrow arrangements formed by the pivotable arm brackets 1035, 1135 arealso contemplated, and may form two fertilizer furrows 290, 291 eachhaving the same or a different vertical depth and each having the sameor a different lateral spacing from the seed furrow 280.

While the pivotable arm bracket 1035, 1135 provided above may form twofertilizer furrows, the lever arms 335, 735 may be provided in pairs onthe planter 200 (e.g., one lever arm 335, 735 may replace the furrowcloser wheel 310, 710), so that two fertilizer furrow opener discs areprovided and form two fertilizer furrows 290, 291 on both sides of theseed furrow 280, and two furrow closer wheels close the seed furrow 280.

The lever arms 335, 735 and pivotable arm brackets 835, 935, 1035, 1135may enable fertilizer to be placed behind the gage wheel and in front ofthe press wheel of the planter on one or both sides of the seed furrow.This may eliminate finding room in front or behind the planter for muchlarger fertilizer units. By placing the liquid attachment (e.g., thefertilizer deposit tube bracket 730 or the pivotably adjustable brackets960 and sleeves 962) behind the gage wheel, the planter may maintain arelatively uniform depth in uneven terrains and may enable fertilizer tobe placed less than 12″ from the seed drop. By providing the fertilizerfurrow opener discs 305, 705, 805, 905, 1000, 1005 in front of the presswheel and/or in front of the furrow closer wheels, the fertilizer furrowopener discs may break side wall compaction, which may enable the presswheel and/or the furrow closer wheels to crumble soil down around theseed and press the soil thereon.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left,right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, inner, outer,vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of theexamples of the disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularlyas to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosure unlessspecifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g.,attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construedbroadly and may include intermediate members between a connection ofelements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinderreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are directlyconnected and/or in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends”having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with anotherpart. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the presentdisclosure is not limited to components which terminate immediatelybeyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end”should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent,rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particularelement, link, component, part, member or the like.

In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various stepsand operations are described in one possible order of operation, butthose skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may berearranged, replaced, or eliminated or have other steps inserted withoutnecessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structuremay be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure asdefined in the appended claims.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect toparticular apparatuses, configurations, components, systems and methodsof operation, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart upon reading this disclosure that certain changes or modificationsto the embodiments and/or their operations, as described herein, may bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by theappended claims. The various embodiments, operations, components andconfigurations disclosed herein are generally exemplary rather thanlimiting in scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trailing arm assembly comprising: a trailingarm frame configured to be movably attached to a planter; a lever armbracket having a pivoting attachment to the trailing arm frame, thebracket including: at least a first arm and a second arm with the firstarm and the second arm joined to a middle portion of the bracket; afirst mounting end positioned proximal to an end of the first arm andconfigured to rotatably and selectively receive a first implementincluding at least one of a furrow closer wheel or a disc, a secondmounting end positioned proximal to an end of the second arm andconfigured to rotatably receive a second implement including at leastone of a disc or a furrow closer wheel; a pivot located on the middleportion of the lever arm bracket that is pivotably connected to thetrailing arm frame, wherein the trailing arm frame separates the bracketand the planter.
 2. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1, wherein themiddle portion of the lever arm bracket that is pivotally coupled to thetrailing arm frame at the pivot is configured to move upwardly relativeto the planter via movement of the trailing arm frame relative to theplanter.
 3. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the trailingarm frame is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planter via atleast one pivot.
 4. The trailing arm assembly of claim 3, wherein thetrailing arm frame is pivotally coupled to the rear portion of theplanter via a single pivot.
 5. The trailing arm assembly of claim 4,wherein the trailing arm frame is directly coupled to the rear portionof the planter.
 6. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1, wherein thelever arm bracket is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the trailingarm frame via a single pivot.
 7. The trailing arm assembly of claim 6,wherein the lever arm bracket is directly coupled to the trailing armframe.
 8. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the displacementof the first implement relative to the trailing arm frame is generallygreater than the displacement of the second implement relative to thetrailing arm assembly.
 9. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1, whereinat least two of the arms include an angular offset with respect to oneanother.
 10. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondarm extends rearwardly from the middle portion and a furrow closer wheelis rotatably mounted thereon.
 11. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1,wherein the first arm extends forwardly from the middle portion and afurrow closer wheel is rotatably mounted thereon.
 12. The trailing armassembly of claim 1, the middle portion comprises a first end and anopposite second end and defines a cylindrical opening extending betweenthe ends along a longitudinal axis for joining with the trailing armframe.
 13. The trailing arm assembly of claim 1, further comprising afertilizer distribution tube coupled to the arm bracket.
 14. Thetrailing arm assembly of claim 13, wherein the fertilizer distributiontube is located proximate the fertilizer furrow opener discs.
 15. Thetrailing arm assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one additionalimplement is connected to the trailing arm frame separate from the leverarm bracket.
 16. A trailing arm assembly comprising: a trailing armframe configured to be movably attached to a planter; a lever armbracket having a pivoting attachment to the trailing arm frame, thebracket including: at least a first arm and a second arm with the firstarm and the second arm joined to a middle portion of the bracket; afirst mounting end positioned proximal to an end of the first arm andconfigured to rotatably and selectively receive a furrow closer wheel,wherein the first mounting end is positioned forwardly of the middleportion, a second mounting end positioned proximal to an end of thesecond arm and configured to rotatably receive a second implementincluding at least one of a disc or a furrow closer wheel; a pivotlocated on the middle portion of the lever arm bracket that is pivotablyconnected to the trailing arm frame, wherein the trailing arm frameseparates the bracket and the planter.
 17. The trailing arm assembly ofclaim 16, wherein the second implement is a disc with a fertilizerdistribution tube located proximate thereto.
 18. The trailing armassembly of claim 16, wherein the second implement is located rearwardlyof the middle portion.
 19. A trailing arm assembly comprising: atrailing arm frame configured to be movably attached to a planter; alever arm bracket having a pivoting attachment to the trailing armframe, the bracket including: at least a first arm and a second arm withthe first arm and the second arm joined to a middle portion of thebracket; a first mounting end positioned proximal to an end of the firstarm and configured to rotatably and selectively receive a firstimplement including at least one of a furrow closer wheel or a disc, asecond mounting end positioned proximal to an end of the second arm andconfigured to rotatably receive a furrow closer wheel; a pivot locatedon the middle portion of the lever arm bracket that is pivotablyconnected to the trailing arm frame, wherein the trailing arm frameseparates the bracket and the planter.
 20. The trailing arm assembly ofclaim 19, wherein the first implement is a disc with a fertilizerdistribution tube located proximate thereto and the second implement islocated rearwardly of the middle portion.